Scott Olson

Untitled, 2004, oil and collage on canvas, 16" x 14"

Untitled, 2005, oil on wood, 13" x 9"

Untitled, 2005, oil on canvas, 15" x 12"

Untitled, 2008, oil and acrylic on canvas, 18" x 12"

After experimenting with sound and sculpture, Olson started painting around 2004. Since then, he has been consistently working on these small-scale abstractions. While there is an obvious conceptual, even technical thread, the newer works are more refined and focused.

Last weekend, I stopped by for a second look at his current show at Taxter and Spengemann. After seeing the Thomas Nozkowski show (how many paintings can we cram into one space?), I was excited by the subtleties of these intimate works that don't try to do too much. Where Nozkowski's works are beginning to appear nostalgic, Olson's are less deliberate, understated, and ultimately personal. The show closes May 10.

Update: Roberta Smith on Olson in the NYT "Is Painting Small the Next Big Thing?"

Sam Gibbons

M is for..., 2003 , acrylic on canvas, 36" x 48"

Attackers, 2003, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24"

Filthy, 2003, acrylic on canvas, 36" x 48"

Flag Wizard, 2008, acrylic on carved wood panel, 38" x 45"

Sam is currently showing a group of great new work at Claire Oliver, which closes April 12. Go see it. We are going to do an interview in the not too distant future. I'll post an update when that happens...

Also check out his seriously sweet band called Sally Fields, and his website.