Dan's Papers - April 24, 2009

Ibram Lassaw's studio in Springs may be a far cry from the Sassi (stone) caves in Matero, Italy, where his sculptures were last exhibited. But it's somehow easy to imagine the metal works anyplace in the world, including the prehistoric rock settlements of Matero.

Last year's show at the Museum of Contemporary Sculpture Matera (a UNESCO site) was organized by Ellen Russotto and Giuseppe Appella, with plenty of help from Lassaw's daughter, Denise, who curated the exhibit. She looks at home standing in her father's studio on this sunny, crisp Easter morning which is understandable, considering that the studio is also her home.

A multitude of objects, drawings and photographs fill the space, recalling decades of achievements relating not only to Lassaw, a beloved and well-known Abstract Expressionist, but also to the Abstract Expressionist movement itself. The Sassi caves in far-off Italy may have given credence to the archetypical soul of Lassaw's sculpture, but here in this 40-year-old concrete studio, the same feeling echoes throughout the space.

Of course, there are some logistical differences between the caves and Lassaw's studio, according to Denise Lassaw. Contrary to popular belief, the caves provided a safe environment for the sculpture, having a consistent temperature where it wasn't too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter. Not to mention, there are no spiders in the caves.

No matter where the sculptures are or what the temperature is like, the most salient aspect of Lassaw's art is its meaning. Drawing from science and philosophy, Lassaw's connection to the cosmos and Zen finds a home in his work. Or, in the case of his piece, "Dharmadhatu," his aesthetics examine the "ultimate reality of how things are." As Lassaw explains, this concept relates to Tao ("The Way").

The work's title, taken from Sanskrit, is particularly fascinating because we cannot define it in words. It is truly universal, as is its signification.

Other works are easier to figure out. Consider "Meta Galaxy" and " Milky Way." The texture and material of "Milky Way," (metalized paste over wire) especially connote the fluid, changing nature of the universe.

"Binary Interspace" is another outstanding piece that uses a fitting material (phos copper) to represent the affirmation of life. It's remarkable how Lassaw can communicate similar themes with diverse metals, colors and shapes - from long, sinewy forms to box-like configurations. "Calliso" assumes other rectangular shapes that connect to each other as parts of the cosmos do.

We don't exactly know why we are moved by Lassaw's sculptures, we just know that we are. We don't exactly know how we get his meanings either, we just know that we do.

There will be a showing of Ibram Lassaw's work at his studio on April 25 at 6 p.m.. Refreshments will be served. The Open Studio will continue on April 26, 27, 28. Call 631-324-4575 for directions and times.

Highlights from Lassaw's exhibit in Italy will be featured at the Pollock Krasner House on April 25 from 1-5 p.m. Call 631-324-4929.