Studio 323 New York is pleased to present Transitions, the debut exhibit of mixed media artist, Jonathan Chánduví. As a third generation antique restorer, Chánduví has been in the presence of fine art and artists his entire life. Chánduví learned his craft primarily through an extended apprenticeship with his father, where he was exposed to museum quality pieces of both private collectors and established art institutions. Chánduví now strives to combine contemporary designs with the quality and techniques of the great artists of the past in both his restoration and art work.

Transitions features Chánduví’s unique works incorporating his vast knowledge of restoration techniques passed down from a family of masters from different eras and sectors of the arts, including sculptors, wood and metal workers, and gilders. Using this background and through the further incorporation custom, hand-dyed plasters with these numerous media, Chánduví has progressed as an artist to create a new form outside of mainstream styles.

In the current collection, Chánduví explores intricate combinations of rich colors, textures, and plastering techniques with no predetermined design. Wood panels are first lacquered with a base color after which a layer of custom plaster is applied to the panel directly with his hands. Following the application of each layer of plaster, Chánduví seals in the color with a layer of clear lacquer. This process continues until the final product emerges with upwards of thirty coats of lacquer, creating an intriguing depth and texture that can be explored by viewers through physically touching the piece.

In "Checked In", Chánduví has also incorporated the use of metallic powder into the plaster. Once the base pattern was finished, Chánduví completely covered the panel with silver-dyed plaster and then painstakingly carved out the final design with various sized chisels, used primarily for his restoration works. Other works incorporate exotic veneers with the technique of marquetry or silver and gold leaf, which are gilded onto the panels, frames, or even the plaster itself.

Because of the intricacy of layers and textures, Jonathan Chánduví’s art must be experienced in person where one can simultaneously observe the striking physical and visual composition of the piece.

Studio 323 New York is located at 323 East 108th Street between 1st and 2nd Avenue and is easily accessible by taking the 6 train and walking from the 110th Street station. For more information about the reception and show please contact us at events@studio323ny.com or at 917-763-1791.