In Consideration: Solo Exhibition featuring Joseph Shetler
Exhibition Artwork: Untitled (Contextual Diptych 2) detail, 12”x24”, acrylic and silverpoint on panel, 2023, available for purchase.
Primarily recognized for his monochromatic drawings and paintings, Joe Shetler introduces color in a new body of work for the exhibition In Consideration. Shetler’s signature linework, delicate and precise in its formulation of abstract planes and grids, seemed to simultaneously float above and ground into its canvases. Introducing color as a participative subject in his work, Shetler presents a stark contrast between the color-filled backgrounds and white surfaces allocated for linework. The color fields are strong and attention-calling, yet they seem to elevate the drawing surface of each painting. Which field is more present? Or, can we consider how they exist together?
“When we look at art we are in consideration. We consider what the work is made of, who made it, and why they made it. To critique art and form an opinion we are contemplating the other. This consideration is a practice of empathy. I believe our moral vocabulary is impoverished and devalued. I want to bring consideration, empathy, and objectivity into the forefront of our minds. Every time we make art, or look at art, we are creating a habit of seeing different perspectives. This can only help heal the divisions we see in society today.” -Joe Shetler
Including visual contradictions has become part of Shetler’s artistic language: it is his way of portraying human nature. In addition to white spaces diverging from robust color, imperfect brushstrokes contrast with perfect lines. These aesthetic dichotomies are sophisticated, and consistent. Demonstrating these polarities also illustrates how much variability exists between them.
Through this exhibition, Shetler cultivates his compositions with the same certainty and specificity as his message: the expansion of perspectives enhances our capacity for objectivity and empathy.
In Consideration by Joseph Shetler is on display at The Silva Gallery x Latela Curatorial February 20 – June 11, 2023. Located at The Silva DC: 1630 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sun noon-5pm. A public reception will be held for the artist on April 6, 2023 from 6-8pm. All artwork displayed is available for purchase. All inquiries for art purchases should be directed to Latela Curatorial: studio@lateladc.com
About the Gallery:
The Silva Gallery x Latela Curatorial at the Silva provides additional exhibition opportunities and curated promotion to local artists in the Greater Washington, DC area. The art gallery, located in the building's reception area, is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon until 5 p.m. For updates on exhibition openings and other art related events, visit here.
About the Artist:
Joseph Shetler (born Goshen, Indiana) is an American post-minimalist artist. He approaches post-minimalism with a Mennonite lens, basing his aesthetic off of anabaptist theology and simple way of life as well as art history. He was educated at Hesston College (A.A. 2004), Goshen College (B.A. 2006), and Arizona State University (M.F.A. 2014). He lives in Washington, DC.
Artist Statement:
“The presence and value of simplicity in my upbringing has greatly inspired my practice, both conceptually and aesthetically. Raised in a Mennonite family, the idea of simplicity pervades all aspects of life, from the modest architecture of our churches to our cookbooks, which are titled More With Less and Simply in Season. One of the theological questions we ask ourselves is how can we be in the world, but not of the world? Mennonite families typically live humbly; homes are not embellished with art, excess, or worldly items, but are rather of modest design, in which form follows function. One of the ways to live simply is to not place too much emphasis on the endless pursuit of worldly success, popular culture, and social media. As a visual artist, I create work that reflects these values; it’s a rejection of the things that I believe complicate our lives.
In earlier work, I had been using the grid as a tool to layout my geometric and pattern based drawings. My relationship with the grid eventually shifted through labor from the initial instrumental view to something worthy being objectified. The grid lends itself to simple patterns and progressions, creating a logical drawing that can be read.
I see my work as the visual definition of my character and what I strive to be. There is a sense of consistency and order in my life, which I aim for my mark and compositions to reflect. When defining ethos we have to ask what brings a sense of credibility to the work. The evident investment of time, the quality of the marks, and the references to historical work conveys my dedication to the language of drawing.”
About Latela Curatorial:
Based in Washington DC with presence in Los Angeles, Barcelona and Milan, Latela Curatorial is an international art advisory and curatorial studio serving art collectors, design and corporate professionals, institutions, artists, and communities.
For all projects, LC's mission is to continuously question how support is defined in the artworld and to advocate on behalf of the artist and arts workers. LC's attitude is to nurture with a matriarchal approach: creating generative and sustainable opportunities for artists, collectors and communities alike.
About The Silva:
Developed by EastBanc and Mitsui Fudosan America, Inc. and managed by Bozzuto, The Silva features 172 thoughtfully designed apartments ranging from studios to two bedrooms, including 10 penthouse suites, making it the ideal home for residents looking to immerse themselves in the eclectic lifestyle of Adams Morgan while experiencing the best of high-end living. At The Silva, residents will find a rooftop terrace with sweeping views of the Capitol and the Washington Monument from the building’s infinity pool, a private courtyard with lush greenery, and within each unit, state-of-the-art appliances and acoustical design.
Prospective residents can learn more about the building and pre-leasing options by visiting www.thesilvadc.com.