Jack Pierson

New York artist Jack Pierson, who was born in Plymouth and became affiliated with the Boston School photographers while studying at MassArt in the early 1980s, exhibited his recent “Abstracts” at Cheim & Read in New York last month. These works continue from his series of sculptures built from the plastic and metal lettering of old advertising signs. In the past, he spelled out words: “Fame” or “Desire/Despair” or “Last Chance Lost” or “the crippled beggar knew a priceless secret.” The new sculptures, some hung on the walls, some freestanding, are dubbed “Abstracts” because the recycled letters don’t spell out anything. Instead resemblances to jewelry, that were always there but less pronounced, come to the fore. Pierson’s materials continue to offer a stylish nostalgic poppy fizz combined with the delicious melancholy of rusty American ruins. You may find yourself developing a crush, though the feelings may not run deep.

Jack Pierson “Abstracts,” Cheim & Read, 547 West 25th St., New York, Oct. 8 to Nov. 14, 2009.

Pictured from top to bottom: Jack Pierson, “Abstract #10,” “Her Ancient Solitary Reign,” “Flourish,”and “Abstract #15.” All courtesy of Cheim & Read, New York.