CREIGHTON MICHAEL AT LESLEY HELLER GALLERY

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NEW YORK CITY — Lesley Heller Gallery is presenting new paintings and works on paper by New York-based artist Creighton Michael through June 6.

Michael’s work begins with the very primal act of making a mark and conceptually explores the movement of line in space, whether that line is painted, drawn or dimensional. He is focused on the evolution of an image through the action of drawing and manipulation of its materials. His work can not be considered Op art, but shifting perspectives and fields in space dominate the experience of viewing his work.

The optical effects achieved are built through process, layer upon layer of lines and colors. Michael’s carefully considered color choices accentuate the optics as do the concave or convex panels they are painted on.

Michael’s Field series (oil on linen on convex panel) began more than 20 years ago and he continues his manipulation of perspective by weaving layers of color that form nebulae or root masses that float not quite anyplace. The longer these paintings are viewed the more acute the undulations of space become. These are not action paintings, but the process used to create these images is plainly visible.

Also, included in the exhibition are early drawings and a recent limited edition of prints that reference Michael’s three dimensional wall drawings. Here, too, the artist is playing with perception through the manipulation of materials and process.

Lesley Heller Gallery is at 16 East 77th Street. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11 am to 6 pm. For information, 212-410-6120 or www.lesleyheller.com.