As a part of DesignPhiladelphia 2011, Grizzly Grizzly is proud to present a new project by Brooklyn-based designer Patrick Gavin, entitled USE, PURPOSE.  The sparse installation, consisting of abstracted versions of everyday objects, examines the inherent complexity of domestic interiors in relation to the objects that fill them.

For USE, PURPOSE, Patrick Gavin arranges four custom-designed objects – a table, a small floor sculpture, and two room dividers – built from anodized aluminum and maple wood.  Approaching each object as an industrial product, the artist creates a visual harmony through materials and design details, but ultimately he is asking us to examine contradictions.  Within the grouping, each component offers a counterpart to the other, playing with ideas of functionality versus representation.  The open dividers likewise challenge our presumptions; they do not act as screens, but rather as suggestions of spatial divisions.  A suite of three graphite drawings on display will further illuminate Patrick Gavin’s design process.

In USE, PURPOSE, Patrick Gavin examines conceptions of object typologies, spatial boundaries, and industrial production.  The artists says of his project at Grizzly Grizzly, “the arrangement reminds us that life contains both useful and useless things,” and under closer inspection, “use and purpose are unusual things.”

Although a native Philadelphian, Patrick Gavin is currently based in Brooklyn, New York.  His design work is recognized nationally and internationally.  He has worked with clients such as Pace Wildenstein NYC/ James Turrell, Alessi, and Ferra Designs Inc.  This coming year, he will be presenting a workshop on intuitive design processes in Bangkok, Thailand for the MFA Program of Rangsit University.  His exhibition at Grizzly Grizzly coincides with a project at Temple University Gallery, here in Philadelphia.

The artist will be in attendance during the October 7th opening reception from 6-10PM.  He will also be attending the DesignPhiladelphia VIP Kickoff Party on October 13th.  For further inquiries or to arrange an interview with the artist at another time, please contact cindystocktonmoore@gmail.com

USE, PURPOSE
October 7 -29, 2011
First Friday Opening, October  7th, 6-10PM
DesignPhiladelphia VIP Kickoff Party, October 13, 7:30PM
Grizzly Grizzly
319 North 11th Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA
Hours: Saturday and Sundays, 2-6PM
www.grizzlygrizzly.com

Grizzly Grizzly is a project space in Philadelphia, PA.  Since 2009, Grizzly Grizzly has programmed monthly exhibitions, screenings and performances.  The gallery is currently under the direction of artists Mike Ellyson, Jacque Liu, Dennis Matthews, Matthew Price, Mary Smull, Cindy Stockton-Moore and Josh Weiss.