And...and...and 

Solo Exhibition by Sterling Bowen

 July 29 - August 2, 2025

Reception: Friday, August 1st | 6-8P

Artist Talk: Saturday, August 2nd | 3-4P

More About And...and...and 

“And” is an empowering word.“And” points at both or all, and does not invalidate. In fact, its very use highlights difference. You and I can be a beginning, an observation, and a reflection.

“And” is an alternative to “but.” “I love you and you have hurt me” creates a different relationship than “I love you, but you have hurt me.” “And'' also seems an appropriate response as our contemporary life strains to contain the multiplicity of opportunities and actualities that is our beautiful and horrible humanity. An opening of the proverbial aperture is both full of more possibility and more useful than it has ever been, and it is my hope that others will come to share this view.

The mark-making and building strategies employed in the exhibit are an “and”- make a rhomboid/cube, and another and another; stack a block, and another, and another. Juxtaposition makes “and” possible and evident- painting is a flat surface and painting implies depth; drawings relate to painting and are their own modality; cubes are an abstract concept and real objects. The use and display of multiple modalities exploring a common element (the cube) is an “and” itself.

The cube is also a symbol in the realm of Westernized art. It points at Modernism, and as such is a continuation and an addition, a response to many, prior bodies of work.

More About Sterling 

Sterling Bowen is first and foremost an abstractionist. He is primarily interested in the value that contemplation has in our contemporary society. His practice includes making objects, blogging, curating and occasionally teaching. 

During the day and for more than two decades, Sterling has worked to decarbonize our electric grid. He is a father of 2 1/2 young adults who lives in Raleigh, NC, with his summer camp bestie and spouse of 28+ years, and he has a prominent role in his neighborhood and community as a volunteer and concerned citizen.

To learn more visit paintingafterartisdead.com or follow Sterling on instagram @paintingafterartisdead