Polish artist, Rene Gortat, kicks off Converge Gallery’s 2017 series of solo exhibitions with “Almost Anything Is Possible.” This collection of work explores the endless possibilities inside of a preset framework of limitations by celebrating the strength of creativity, determination, and obsession. Everyday experiences, interactions, philosophical thought, and random occurrences provide the groundwork for idea development. The exhibition opening will be held on Friday, February 3rd from 6-9pm. An exclusive collectors preview hour will be held from 5:00 – 6:00. Attendees must register in advance at https://convergegallery.com/register-collectors-preview-hour/. The exhibition runs from February 3rd – 25th, 2017.

During construction these pieces were treated as three dimensional objects, rather than traditional paintings. Layers of paint create coats of color. The variation in the thickness of the paint and medium allow for a more sculptural approach. Hidden shapes and colors can be sanded back up to the surface to reveal a more organic substance to contrast the sharp geometric shapes. The gloss white frames control and shape how much of the visual information is shared, just as one would carefully choose words to create an appropriate situational sentence. This project directly mirrors the ideas and concepts needed for its own creation. The limitations of time, ability, mental power, opportunity, and personality are all revealed in the completed objects. Additional limitations were added voluntarily, in order to increase personal growth and encourage experimentation.

Maps are the foundation for this series and are based on Rene’s relationship to travel, migration, and movement, which started at the age of nine when he and his family immigrated from a small village in Poland to the sprawling mass of New York City shattering his understanding of the idea of home. Ever since, Rene has been exploring various environments, searching for “home.”

About the Artist
Throughout his life, Rene has moved, on average, once a year. This constant movement has created a sense of adventure but also a sense of instability which is reflected in his work by focusing on the struggle between the certain and uncertain.

Rene Gortat is a New York City-based artist of Polish descent currently working towards his MFA at Syracuse University. In 2012, he earned a BA in Art and a BA in Philosophy from Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, where he first discovered the satisfaction of creation as an artform.

Prior to coming to Syracuse, Rene worked as an art handler where he had the opportunity to touch and examine works of art that are typically hidden behind glass or otherwise forbidden to touch. This is where he learned the level of professionalism and obsession required to create successful work.

About Converge Gallery

Converge Gallery was founded in 2011. The gallery, already internationally recognized for its ambitious program, has been extremely selective and focused on finding emerging or notable mid-career artists with a contemporary emphasis oriented to display the most challenging and innovative art.

What we are trying to do, without any pretense to define art, is to elevate the discussion about art, reality, and perception. Converge Gallery’s goal is to sell the meaning, cultural context, and the individual point of view of the artist. Both artist and collector are encouraged to approach a certain level of aesthetic value, clarity of content, and vision.

The greatest achievement for us would be to extend the boundaries of art, and generate a conversation between artists and the general public.

For all press inquiries, photo requests and a PDF catalog of the exhibition, please contact John Yogodzinski, Director, Converge Gallery : john@convergegallery.com. Web: www.convergegallery.com. Tel: 570.435.7080 Address: Converge Gallery 140 West 4th Street, Williamsport, PA 17701, USA