Testable Predictions at Carl & Sloan Contemporary

Artists: Amy Bernstein, Perry Doane and Michelle Liccardo

Exhibition title: Testable Predictions

Venue: Carl & Sloan Contemporary, Portland, US

Date: March 14–April 12, 2015

Photography: Images courtesy of the artists and Carl & Sloan Contemporary, Portland

Carl & Sloan Contemporary is pleased to announce its first exhibition, Testable Predictions. A group exhibition of paintings and sculpture; featuring Amy Bernstein, Perry Doane and Michelle Liccardo.

The first essential step of the scientific method is a “testable prediction.”It all begins with a discovery, an insight, a thought. This is followed by the creation of a hypothesis, an educated guess. Finally, a series of experiments are conducted with the ultimate goal of generating a factual outcome to reject or modify the hypothesis.

The artists in Testable Predictions follow a similar path of discovery. The catalyst may be material or immaterial. An idea, a hunch, an itch to scratch. Then an exploratory move or action redefines the original idea. Reducing its complexity to its most basic elements.

However, this is where the analogy diverts from the scientific method. Rather than clear and defined, the outcome is amorphous. The repeated experiments are catalogued in colorful visual notes by Amy Bernstein, reductive screenprints by Perry Doane, and sculptures consisting of more negative space than positive by Michelle Liccardo.

This is not the work of mad scientists. Each artist calculates every detail. Their intention and approach is left on each mark and surface. They purposely test the restraints and freedoms of form and color, or lack thereof. The outcome is a formalist piece of evidence filled with personal abstractions of choices, politics, opinions and even the unseen.