SETH MICHAEL FORMAN

American Histories: Life in Exile

January 31 - March 8, 2003

Adam Baumgold Gallery presents American Histories: Life in Exile, an exhibition of new paintings by Seth Michael Forman. As in Forman's previous work, American Histories depicts mysterious, often absurdly comic characters set within timeless and ominous landscapes. Life in Exile, the third installment in the series, focuses on themes of isolation and alienation.

 In Fatbelly, a barefoot aging woman pauses along a remote path to massage her ample flesh. Her physical presence is offset by a vacant stare and psychological remove. This detached emotional state is echoed by the protagonist in November, who stares out into space, hands locked behind his head. The overturned wooden bench and flat worn mattress behind him suggest he has just woken from a day of dreaming amidst the sheep in their pasture.

 These and other works in the exhibition are both literal and metaphorical autobiography. But more than just anecdotal private dramas, Life in Exile presents a dreamlike world of contemporary anxiety with an almost medieval sensibility. It is the combination of psychology, humor and allegory that gives these paintings their enigmatic character.

 This is Seth Michael Forman's third solo exhibition at Adam Baumgold Gallery. His paintings were exhibited in the exhibition "Picturing the Modern Amazon" at the New Museum of Contemporary Art and were featured on "State of the Arts," a PBS broadcast. His work has been included in numerous solo and group exhibitions in New York and throughout the U.S.

The gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 - 5:30 PM. For additional information, please contact Adam Baumgold at (212)861-7338.