Philadelphia Weekly

Matthew Osborn’s “My Bones–Your Skin” at Pageant Gallery and Candida Hofer’s “Philadelphia” at Arcadia University are two local shows that take you to the limits of 2-D art.

Osborn’s drawings and Hofer’s color photographs represent some of the best of what’s being done here—from hip musings in ink on paper by a young local talent to majestic architectural photographs by an internationally acclaimed artist at the top of her game.
Osborn’s show is chock full of drawings and paintings and also features a video animation. The show features approximately 50 works—all made in the last two months according to gallerist Daniel Dalseth—and are but a small fraction of what the artist brought to the gallery to install.

The images combine cartoon characters and words in unique pieces that are turgid, funny, chatty and confessional. The works channel both monsters and our better angels. Osborn is fascinated with the duality of identity and people’s ability to slip from one face to another. At a time of increasing cyber-identity games and confusion, the human personality is a great subject to be inspired by.

Part of the charm of the works is their word-smithing. Osborn is a gifted artist/writer on par with Scottish artist David Shrigley. In places the words achieve almost Hallmark Card sentiments about relationships and inner strength. “Last night, today, tomorrow, forever” says one poster-like work with a pattern of upside-down spades in red, black and white. “Either we can choose to be humble or we can be compelled,” says another. In both works you might expect a pleasant graphic to accompany the words but what you get instead is a big hairy monster shouting the phrase. Osborn’s works are incredibly affordable—prices range from $10-$1000, with most works priced under $100.

Hofer, a German artist, came to town in 2008 through a local connection, collector Mari Shaw, who helped the artist gain access to the interiors of some of Philadelphia’s landmark buildings. Hofer, known for her photos of historic interiors, makes large scale works with crisp detail. Showcasing everything from splendid palace dining rooms to libraries, synagogues and theatres, Hofer has made works that enfold the viewer in their spaces and make them feel the space with their bodies. The buildings she chose in Philadelphia continue her fascination with light, color, space and the activities of humans.

Last January, Hofer’s Chelsea gallery, Sonnabend, exhibited eight of the Philadelphia photographs. Four are on display at Arcadia University and even if you know the buildings, you will be wowed by the images which allow you to linger in the rooms and observe details you would probably overlook when visiting them in person.

For more on the Philadelphia art scene go to theartblog.org.

Matthew Osborn: “My Bones-Your Skin.” Through May 2. Pageant Gallery, 607 Bainbridge St. 215.925.1536. www.pageantsoloveev.com

Candida Hofer: “Philadelphia,” Through April 19. Lecture and reception: Sat., April 11, 4pm. Arcadia University Art Gallery, Spruance Fine Arts Center, 450 S. Easton Rd., Glenside. 215.572.2131. www.arcadia.edu/gallery