2 X 2 Shades of Grey

JM Art Management is thrilled to invite you to the opening night of 2 X 2 Shades of Grey.

2 X 2 Shades of Grey is a two-person exhibition featuring the works of Ben Cope and Tetiana Kalivoshko.

Experimentation with “Grayscale” imagery to convey ambiguity is an integral part of this exhibit, as well as a common denominator between our two artists: Ben Cope and Tetiana Kalivoshko. Forgoing the use of the full-color spectrum effectively muddles the line at which voyeurs perceive the subject on the canvas. The wide brushstrokes and undefined lines used to capture each “humanoid” subject provide an intentional ambiguity and animation to the human form: which ultimately allows for every individual regardless of class, race, gender orientation, or body type to analyze each piece with a broader perception - devoid of biases. 

Cope’s employment of texturism through constructive and deconstructive layering conveys another commonality of the human experience: the passing of time and how the human form physically changes along with it. Keeping in the theme of the temporality involved with human experience: Kalivoshko’s subjects metamorphosed over time from a series of sketches on paper into the pieces you see before you today. All peoples have their own unique experiences, and thus our own individual biases, particularly when interpreting media. This directly affects - down to an individual level- how each voyeur will visually and emotionally perceive each piece. Intentionally allowing for all who view to be drawn in, despite their personal identity. Ben Cope and Tetiana Kalivoshko’s work highlights this realization: we are all living a different experience, and yet we all are simply human. 

Ben Cope is a Georgia native graduating from Columbus State University with a BFA in ceramic sculpture and photography. After receiving his degree he moved to the west coast to pursue a career in the photo industry. Currently, Ben resides in Los Angeles and focuses on fashion and fine art photography. Ben Cope deconstructs photographs of the human form. By stripping the body of personal identity, particularly gender, he creates images where the figure is solely reliant on the surface of the photo paper to remain relevant. The texture of the photos remains heavy while the body moves with ease in the background.

Texture, Shape, Form. This is the epithet of the artist: Ben Cope. Cope began his art career in a dark room where he refined his knowledge and control of grayscale imagery. Always fascinated by the artistic potential of playing with textures and layers, Ben turned to experimentation with lithography.

Through experimentation with textures along with the grayscale color spectrum, Cope captures his subjects in a unique light. Utilizing texturism to imbue his subjects with the trials and tribulations of life that have an effect on all living things - over time. Ben Cope is able to forgo capturing the exact human form of his pieces’ subjects and thus portray the true essence of his subjects through various media.

Tetiana Kalivoshko is a Ukrainian artist residing in the United States who works in painting, sculpture, and art installations.

Graduated from the L’viv National Academy of Art and Shanghai's East China Normal University.

She decided to devote herself to the world of art in 2015 after seeing the exhibition "In Love With Art" which motivated her to begin developing her art and ideas and to travel across the world.

Tetiana Kalivoshko's paintings are specifically designed to be open to voyeuristic interpretation. With an ultimate intent to catalyze a broader discussion across the varying demographics of the viewers.

Kalivoshko’s anecdotal experiences provide the foundation of the deeper meaning in her pieces. Incorporating personal life experiences, places, and cultures she has been exposed to over the years, accompanied/with the humanoid ambiguity of her painting’s subjects, allows for each voyeur to project their own goals, dreams, fears, joys, beliefs, hopes; and ultimately their own story into each piece. Effectively personifying even the most abstract of Kalivoshko’s subjects and allowing for a multitude of interpretations.