View Dominic Pangborn’s evolutionary art at “Detroit’s Finest”
“Detroit Skyline” (2015) by Dominic Pangborn
Detroit artist Dominic Pangborn is opening the archives for his first solo exhibition at Park West Gallery.
Park West Gallery will host the third of its “Detroit’s Finest” series July 26 to August 16 at its Southfield, Michigan location. The public is invited to meet Pangborn at an opening reception on July 26 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This is the first show at Park West Gallery focused on Pangborn. Through this free exhibition, art lovers will be able to view and collect Pangborn artwork not featured in other venues.
“I like to really showcase works that, in my view, are beyond the norm – works that are very highly expressional, personal,” Pangborn says. “A lot of works coming into the show are from the personal archive.”
One such work includes Pangborn’s larger-than-life “Michigan in Motion,” which placed in the top three during the 2014 ArtPrize competition held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This 10-foot, three-dimensional work will be among the other colorful and evolutionary artwork of Pangborn.
“Abstract, Realism, Surrealism, Kinetic, Cubism, Pop Art – this only scratches the surface of the creative genius of Dominic Pangborn,” says David Gorman, Park West Gallery Director. “Although skillfully working in multiple mediums and disciplines, one can clearly see Pangborn’s approach as both methodical and consistent. Park West Gallery is pleased to have captured a series of recent works that speak of the evolving nature of Pangborn’s work, offering an outside look into the mind of this exceptional painter.”
“Angels – Art in Motion” (2015), Dominic Pangborn
Born in Korea in 1952, Pangborn was adopted by the Pangborn family of Jackson, Michigan at the age of 10. Two years later, while struggling with language and culture barriers, he discovered that art allowed him to express himself. He studied at the Chicago Academy of Art, and in 1978 moved to Detroit from Chicago with his wife, calling the Motor City home since then.
“I like producing [art] out of Michigan because of the fact that it’s all seasons,” he says. “It’s a good climate for producing, and also the mentality of the Midwest is that we get things done.”
Though not a native of Detroit, Pangborn has firmly planted roots in the area. Pangborn set up his studio in Detroit, is a former professor at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Marygrove College in Detroit.
He established the Pangborn Design Collection in 1979, which features high fashion items like limited edition silk scarves and ties, and has been carried by Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom. A store featuring these items and more is located in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Dominic Pangborn with one of the large-scale works he will display during “Detroit’s Finest.”
Pangborn also gives back to his community. He has served on many boards in the area, including: The Detroit Science Center, Children’s Center of Michigan, ArtServe Michigan, Meadow Brook Theatre, the Michigan Chamber Symphony Orchestra and the International Institute.
The Pangborn exhibition is the last in a series of Park West Detroit artists, which featured the art of Marcus Glenn and Tim Yanke. Their artwork will be on display as well to show visitors the diversity and talent that lives in Detroit.
Admission is free to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information or to RSVP for the opening, call 248-354-2343 or visit www.parkwestgallery.com.
