FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MAY, 2008
IVAN STOJAKOVIC "BUILD-UP"

Ivan Stojakovic's most recent mixed media paintings come together in an exhibition titled Build-up. This exhibition of new works will be shown at the Bridgette Mayer Gallery from April 29 - May 24, 2008, with an opening reception First Friday, May 2nd, from 6:00 - 8:30 pm. Also on view in the Vault Room: Newcomers, a sculpture installation by Ivan Stojakovic.

On view in Build-up are paintings on canvas ranging from 32 x 49" to 43 x 60" that feature urban landscapes created by thick applications of paint and metallics.
Stojakovic's concern with universal issues with an international focus becomes embodied in his visual metaphors for sometimes impenetrably complex contemporary landscapes. His current process of creating work stems from an internalization of dramatic events and turning points from around the world, such as: climate change, terrorism and breakthroughs in genetic science. Seeing the culmination of such events as possibly ominous or euphoric, his recent paintings strive to evoke those feelings in the viewer.
Speaking recently on his work, Stojakovic states, "My urban landscapes explore symbioses between industrial urbanism and primordial biological forms. I hope that the worldviews, embodied in my paintings, can have a cathartic effect on the viewer as they have on me."

Ivan Stojakovic was born in 1974 in Belgrade, (former Yugoslavia). He currently resides in New York City. He received his M.F.A. from Pratt Institute, NY in 2005 which followed his studies for a degree in painting from Ontario College of Art & Design, Toronto, ON, in 2001. This is Stojakovic's second solo show at the Bridgette Mayer Gallery, following his 2007 exhibition Global Nature. He has exhibited in solo shows globally, including such locations as: New York City, Belgrade - Serbia, and Toronto, Canada. Please contact: Bridgette Mayer Gallery: 215.413.8893 email: bridgetteart@earthlink.net. Images available online at www.bridgettemayergallery.com

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