On August 15 and August 16, Fathom hosted the West Coast premiere of estranged BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward’s fine art exhibition, “Absence Of Corners”, a collection of 15 abstract works created from Ward’s drum performance.
A video report on the event — including a short interview with Ward — from Jimmy Cabbs can be seen below.
The exhibition opened on August 15 with two artist discussions by Ward in which he detailed the concepts underlining the artwork and related personal stories of how each piece is connected to his private or professional life.
Over a year in the making, “Absence Of Corners” is the result of a complex multi-disciplined approach to creating art that combines high-end digital technology with the oldest known musical instrument. The resulting images capture Ward’s experimental spirit and translate onto canvas powerful abstract expressions of his music.
Working with Los Angeles art team SceneFour, Ward utilized a sophisticated formula to create the collection’s visuals, using an array of drumsticks and rhythmic accessories that produce light, much like a painter utilizing brushes and oils. The movements featured within the captured rhythms are then studied and developed into abstract artwork that showcases a dimension not normally seen by the human eye. Each piece in this limited-edition collection is then numbered. All are signed by Ward.
Based in Los Angeles, SceneFour specializes in working with music visionaries on the creation of fine artwork. SceneFour’s previous art collaborations have included releases with Chuck D, Bootsy Collins, Page Hamilton and The RZA. Over the last several years, SceneFour’s focus has been on the development and publishing of rhythm-on-canvas collections, with Ward’s collection being the largest release to date.
Ward previously stated about the project: “When I’m working on new ideas, musically much of what’s played is guided by a visual appearance or shape. Since my early childhood, I’ve played drums in visuals as well as sound. When I write, there’s always an image, sometimes a color attached to what’s being created… I am delighted with the captured expressions — from my head and my heart. Their arrival onto canvas is beautiful.”
“From the gallery perspective what excites us about this art is the sense of story,” added Francis Coiro, Fathom founder.”Even though art critics don’t talk about it much, great art is about a great story. And, honestly, Bill Ward is a great storyteller. If you have the chance to meet Bill and see the work and hear him talk about it, you can feel that linkage between his music, his life and his art. It’s extraordinary.”
The “Absence Of Corners” exhibition is a special limited engagement and only hangs at Fathom through August 29.
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Fathom exhibits art and photography that uses popular culture as a touchstone in its creation. The gallery is located inside the California Market Center at 110 East 9th Street, Suite CL002, Los Angeles, CA 90079.
For more information, visit www.fathom.gallery.
Ward, who has recently engaged in a public war of words with singer Ozzy Osbourne over the reasons why the drummer did not participate in the SABBATH reunion, has released his first solo album in 18 years. Titled “Accountable Beasts”, the record can be purchased on iTunes.
Source: Blabbermouth
