Oct 01 - 27 2017
A Life's Journey A Retrospective of the Works of David Gross

A Life's Journey A Retrospective of the Works of David Gross

Presented by Hilliard Gallery at Hilliard Gallery

In David Gross' own words, " my life's work is a journey".  It is with these words that we proudly present " A Life's Journey",  a retrospective of the oeuvre of David Gross.  Early this year the art world lost a beloved member, as David succumbed to Cancer and passed away, leaving us, but leaving behind a body of his straightforward subjects-landscapes, still life studies, floral landscapes---in a visually simplified manner, which strive for clarity and exquisite color.  Strongly influenced by the Fauve movement of the turn of the century, Gross journeys into the world of abstract expressionism creating in his works a balance between the organic reality of the "place" and "non-representation" by juxtaposition of geometric shapes, layers of texture and bold color.

David Gross' interest in oil painting developed at a very early age. he planned to be a painter from the very beginning and has always worked directly from nature. In the painter's own words, " my life's work is a journey. I paint to explore color, space and composition. It is a search, an exploration."  The Flint Hills would become a great place for David to do his exploration.  The Flint Hills of Kansas was an ideal setting for David to pull ideas for subject matter. The atmosphere, terrain, and light quality there is extremely unique, subtly abstract in form. The Tall grass Prairie is the symbol of our Kansas heritage; it has a timeless quality I find endlessly exciting to paint. Only 2% of the nation's native prairie remains, most of which is in Kansas. It is no wonder that it has become the target of fascination for artists all over the world."

David Gross approached each new canvas as a pristine world in which to place his mark. Just as a writer faces a blank page, an artist faces a blank canvas, and according to Gross, "There is nothing more terrifying or exciting than this blank space." What David Gross was able to create in this blank space would bring this regional artist international acclaim. His highly sought after paintings of bright iris gardens, dreamy European pastorals, bold color field landscapes and abstracts, done with incredible skill that was achieved by over forty years of painting, show the viewer, David at the pinnacle of his career.

Although David Gross will surely be missed for years and generations to come,  David's artwork will continue to give the viewer a glimpse into the colorful life that he lived and saw, and will be forever memorialized in his paintings.  Proceeds for the sale of David's paintings will go to his trust that will award talented artist with aid to continue their life's journey.

Admission Info

Phone: 816-561-2956

Dates & Times

2017/10/01 - 2017/10/27

Additional time info:

A Life's Journey open September with the opening reception 6-10 pm.

Show will run through Oct. 27th 2017

Gallery Hours are Tues-Friday 10-5 and Saturday 12-4

Location Info

Hilliard Gallery

1820 McGee, Kansas City, MO 64108