Paradigm Gallery + Studio is pleased to announce Asynchronist, an exhibition of new works by Alex Eckman-Lawn and Jason Chen. The presentation explores the aesthetic and conceptual connections between the artists’ practices, with a particular focus on the use of paper cut mediums to investigate the notion of separation. Several works on view were made collaboratively, a first for both artists. The exhibition is on view August 25–October 21, 2017. An opening reception will be held Friday, August 25, 2017 at 5:30pm - 10:00pm.

Calling to mind the work of Max Ernst and Joseph Cornell, this exhibition presents Eckman-Lawn’s cut paper and collage pieces that explore the artist’s fear of the body, particularly how the body physically entraps and cages the human subject. Drawing from his experience as an illustrator, he creates a visual narrative using his own distinct vocabulary of symbols and images, combining seemingly disparate images and sources.

Jason Chen will present a new series of handwoven photographs that investigates the notion of duality, interrogating the liminal space between aesthetic perspectives. Rather than a concern with patterning that typifies much of woven artwork, Chen utilizes the process of weaving to deconstruct and reconstruct the photographic image.

About Alex Eckman-Lawn
Alex Eckman-Lawn creates multi-layered, hand-cut, paper collages using everything from his original digital paintings to imagery from old medical texts. Each layer is spaced, creating a depth that draws you into the works. His work has appeared in comic books, on album covers, book covers, T-shirts, music videos, and posters. His cut paper works have most recently been on display at SCOPE Miami Beach, Art on Paper NY, Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Arch Enemy Arts, Art Dept., Gallery 1988, Crane Arts Ice Box, Bottleneck Gallery, and more. Eckman-Lawn received his BFA in Illustration from the University of the Arts in 2007, and is a Philadelphia native.

About Jason Chen
Jason Chen is originally from Guangzhou, China. He received his BFA in Animation from the University of Arts in 2008. Jason is a Philadelphia based Photographer specializing in Fashion, Editorial, and Alternative Process Photography. He is the Co-Founder of Paradigm Gallery + Studio and Juggling Wolf (a film and animation production studio). Jason’s work has been displayed in galleries and venues including: Paradigm Gallery + Studio, Crane Arts, The Light Room Gallery, Trust Gallery, Kimmel Center, and Commerce Square.

(Top to bottom, L to R: Hollow (cropped), Jason Chen & Alex Eckman-Lawn collaborative work, layered cut paper/collage/woven photo; Tunnel II by Alex Eckman-Lawn, layered cut paper/collage; The Traveler by Jason Chen, hand-woven photographs)

About Paradigm Gallery + Studio
Established February 2010, Paradigm Gallery + Studio® started as a project between cofounders and curators, Jason Chen and Sara McCorriston, to create a space in which to make artwork, to exhibit the work of their peers, and to invite the members of the local community make their own artwork in a welcoming gallery setting. Over the years, Paradigm Gallery + Studio has become a gallery of diverse contemporary artwork from around the world, but still with a focus on Philadelphia artists.

Paradigm Gallery + Studio provides an artistic space for both the visual and performing arts, with a focus on dedicated, emerging to established Philadelphia-based visual artists. We provide artists with individualized attention, strong promotional support and a transformable gallery space to make their own. We strive to make art accessible to the whole community through free bi-weekly events and support work that welcomes a wide audience.

All involved parties (gallerists and artists) are available for comment or other media requests.

If you would like to receive the digital collector preview for this exhibition prior to the opening, please email sara@paradigm-gallery.com.

"Asynchronist" works by Alex Eckman-Lawn and Jason Chen
August 25 - October 21, 2017

OPENING RECEPTION
Friday, August 25th • 5:30pm - 10:00pm
(RSVP here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1365824306848178)

CLOSING RECEPTION
Friday, September 22nd • 5:30pm - 10:00pm

EXHIBITION HOURS
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays • 12:00pm – 6:00pm
And 7 days a week by appointment: info@paradigm-gallery.com / (267)266-0073

LOCATION
Paradigm Gallery + Studio / 746 S. 4th Street, 1st Floor / Philadelphia, PA 19147

SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @AlexEckmanLawn // @thatchinesekid // @ParadigmGS
Twitter: @ParadigmGS
Tumblr: paradigm-gallery.tumblr.com
Facebook: facebook.com/paradigmgallery