Ponti Art Gallery is interested in buying and selling works
of art by this artist.
Brent Wadden Biography
Brent Wadden is a contemporary artist whose innovative work bridges the gap between traditional craft and modern art, challenging the boundaries of painting and textile art. Born in 1979 in Nova Scotia, Canada, Wadden has carved out a distinctive niche in the art world with his abstract woven works that synthesize the traditions of painting, design, craft, and folk art.
Wadden's journey into the world of art began with his formal education at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design, where he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2003. It was during his studies that he was mentored by the late conceptualist painter Gerald Ferguson, who had a profound influence on his development as an artist. Despite his training as a painter, Wadden's artistic practice took a significant turn in 2010 when he began to explore the medium of weaving.
The transition to weaving was sparked by an exhibition of Moroccan rugs Wadden encountered in Ireland, which captivated him with their wild patterns and psychedelic lines. This experience led him to approach the artist weaver Travis Meinolf for training on a laser-cut backstrap loom. Wadden's initial forays into weaving were part of a broader practice, but over time, the medium came to dominate his artistic output.
Wadden's work is characterized by its meticulous handwoven textiles, which he mounts on canvas to create pieces that at first glance might be mistaken for abstract paintings. Upon closer inspection, the tactile warmth and human touch of the handwoven fibers reveal themselves, distinguishing his work from machine-made textiles. Wadden's process involves weaving individual smaller panels, which are then assembled into larger compositions. The visible seams between panels and the occasional imperfections in the weaving underscore the handcrafted nature of his work.
The materials Wadden uses are often secondhand, sourced from places like Craigslist, eBay, and Kijiji, as well as from other weavers and second-hand shops. This choice of materials is not only an aesthetic decision but also a commentary on consumerism and the value of labor. The varied fibers and textures, along with the intentional imperfections, contribute to the unique character of each piece.
Wadden's oeuvre is informed by a diverse range of influences, including the quilts of Gee's Bend, Bauhaus textiles, Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, First Nation and indigenous art-making traditions, particularly those from his native Nova Scotia. His work also references current political issues, as seen in his Keystone XL rag rug. Despite his lack of formal training in textiles, Wadden's approach to weaving is both innovative and respectful of its traditions, resulting in works that are rhythmically patterned and rich in texture.
The artist's first solo museum exhibition was held in 2018 at the Contemporary Art Gallery in Vancouver. His work has been exhibited widely, including at the Columbus College of Art and Design, the Rubell Family Collection, Saatchi Gallery, Peres Projects, and the Art Gallery of Alberta, Canada. Wadden's pieces are held in several public collections, such as the Rubell Collection in Miami and the Marciano Art Foundation in Los Angeles.
Wadden's commitment to his craft and the dialogue he creates between hand-crafted processes and the history of Modernist painting have earned him recognition in the art world. His works are a testament to the enduring relevance of textile art and its capacity to convey complex aesthetic and conceptual ideas. Living and working between Vancouver, Canada, and Berlin, Germany, Wadden continues to push the boundaries of his medium, exploring new materials and techniques while maintaining a deep connection to the traditions that inspire his practice.
Brent Wadden Quotes and Sales
of Works
Ponti Art Gallery selects and deals with paintings by the
artist. Upon request, we provide free estimates and
evaluations, communicate prices, quotations, and current
market values.
If you are interested in BUYING or SELLING works by the
artist, contact us immediately.
If you wish to sell or receive an evaluation of the
works:
Send us a frontal photo of the painting, one of the back,
and one of the signature. Also, indicate the dimensions of
the work. Inform us about the purchase origin of the work
and any kind of available documentation (purchase
receipts, certificates of authenticity, publications). One
of our operators will respond to you on the same day. We
guarantee maximum confidentiality and extreme
professionalism.
If you wish to purchase works by the painter: Contact us
and let us know your request. We will inform you about the
available works. We also offer the possibility to
subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, through which you will be
informed at the beginning of each month about the latest
acquisitions of the art gallery.
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