William T. Wiley and H.C. Westermann: Watercolors and Sculpture

With his comic-driven, individualistic style, and personal preoccupation with the socio-political issues of his time, Westermann became an influential figure for artists on the West coast who didn’t associate with the minimalist movement in the East. Deviating from the monumental and pristine forms of the minimalists, Westermann’s sculptures emphasize his interest in unconventional materials and dedication to each work’s intricate craftsmanship. Westermann created humor through his experimentation with different media, infusing his sculptures and paintings with an ironic subtlety, especially addressing his time spent at war. Wiley has cited Westermann among the artists who informed his work commenting that “Cliff’s vision...and mind and methods and craft and dedication...opinions passion...heart!...He was a powerful and important artist for many people...remarkable and ordinary." In turn, Westermann saw Wiley as a colleague and even gifted him two works he created after meeting the young artist in San Francisco.

Wiley’s recent watercolors reveal a visual stream of consciousness, using a mixture of humor, poignant puns and a playful palette to tackle serious concepts. Simultaneously absurd and wise, introspective and accessible, and always sharply observant, Wiley’s work superbly weaves together his personal quips to current events. Wiley imbues his work with his own language of characters, allusions, and figures, mixing painting, figuration, and abstraction in one.