23 May 2025
Jared Buckhiester and Hilton Als on YouTube via David Kordansky Gallery “on the occasion of No heaven, no how, Buckhiester's first solo exhibition with [the] gallery.” Some of the worst recorded audio I've ever encountered, but some ideas have stuck with me nonetheless.
Firstly, I like what Buckhiester said about receiving support/advice from friends to keep working without judgement until the thing you're looking for reveals itself. Second time I've heard that sentiment in the past week. Very challenging to work without judgement when you're trying to keep your work true to an internal compass, thin line between judgement and accountability. But I think what he was saying has more to do with trust in sustained inquiry rather than a sort of blind optimism.
But most interesting to me was how he spoke about surface in his paintings, how he didn't want the surface to interfere with content by reflecting light or becoming too topographic, how he wanted to make sure the work wasn't about the paint itself. Before I had even heard him say that, I did notice (to the extent that I could in digital reproduction) how flat the paintings felt, how they made a point to lay everything bare. Though I am enjoying the materiality of paint in subtle ways more and more, (still feels excessive to cake it on), I respect and can empathize with that approach. It feels honest, generous, and confident. He mentioned Albert York and Albert Pinkham Ryder as touchpoints, which makes sense.