STEPHEN BATES “Abstraction as Narrative” — Aug 5 - SEPT 30, 2023

Read the Washington Post review by Mark Jenkins: https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/art/2023/09/01/art-gallery-shows-dc-area/

As a professional musician Stephen Bates played the clarinet for the Kennedy Center orchestra for 36 years before retiring and moving to Manchester, Massachusetts where he has pursued his love for painting. His association with music has inspired his paintings which are collages using watercolor and acrylic. The paintings take on a 3-dimentional sculptural aspect setting up a rhythm inspired by the music of Richard Strauss and paintings of Kandinsky and Bonnard.

ARTIST STATEMENT

Renowned Abstract Artist Stephen Bates: Blending Colors, Sounds, and Stories

Embracing the legacy of Wassily Kandinsky, I proudly stand as an abstract artist, intertwining my own artistic journey with his profound influence. Born in the same year that Kandinsky departed from this world, and sharing a Russian heritage, I feel an innate connection to his pioneering spirit. Amidst the chaos of historical events, Kandinsky found solace in Paris, where he crafted ethereal masterpieces, delicately adorned with vibrant hues. Drawing inspiration from his transformative example, I dedicate myself to creating artworks that radiate positivity, exuberance, and an unwavering zest for life amidst the current American landscape. As I delve into the creative process, a tapestry of meaning and narrative unfurls, guiding my artistic expression. Thus, I am delighted to present my upcoming exhibition titled "Abstraction as Narrative" where each painting possesses a name that beckons viewers into its captivating story. My artistic journey began with a passion for the clarinet, leading me to a remarkable 36 year tenure in the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra. However, my artistic spirit yearned for new avenues of exploration. In the early 1970s, I embarked on a fascinating experiment, bringing visual art and music together. Watercolor paintings adorned music stands, transforming into visual scores for performances by the Contemporary Music Forum, of which I was a founding member. This fusion of the visual and the melodic ignited my quest to evoke the emotive power of music through my artistic endeavors. Collage, a technique that resonates deeply within me, facilitates this artistic odyssey. Just as music builds layer upon layer, my collage work embraces a similar philosophy. Each layer contributes to the intricate tapestry, weaving together diverse visual elements, ultimately giving birth to depth and complexity. While my heart cherished the melodies of the opera orchestra, retirement provided me with an exhilarating opportunity to sculpt tangible expressions of my artistic vision. In my distinctive style, I fuse drawing, painting, and sculpture, drawing inspiration from the ancient Greeks who adorned their sculptures and buildings with breathtaking pigments. The passage of time, marked by weathering and the Renaissance aesthetic, veiled these works in pristine white. In my sculptures, I strive to reintroduce the vibrancy of paint, harmoniously merging the varied elements of visual artistry into a cohesive whole. Within this amalgamation of drawing, painting, and sculpture lies a captivating dance, an interplay of color, form, and rhythm that transcends traditional boundaries. Synesthesia, a concept cherished by Kandinsky and echoed in my own artistic sensibilities, beautifully describes this union of the senses. The hues of sound, the melodies of color, when appreciating artwork that defies convention, it is a phenomenon accessible to all, rather than a rarity bestowed upon a select few. Returning to the city that witnessed my many years of performance fills my heart with immense joy. It is a privilege to showcase my work at Watergate Gallery operated by the ever-supportive Dale Johnson, who has been a steadfast ally throughout my artistic journey. As the esteemed curator of the Phillips Collection, and my friend, James McGlaughlin once said, "Galleries are where people can meet." In this spirit, I eagerly anticipate reconnecting with cherished friends from the past and forging new connections with fellow art enthusiasts who recognize the transformative power of artistic expression. Through my artwork, I invite you to embrace a symphony of colors, sounds, and stories, an invitation to experience a world beyond boundaries, where art becomes a universal language of emotion and connection.

Stephen Bates, Manchester by the Sea, July 5, 2023