GREGORY CALIBEY
	FOREWORD Gregory Calibey's most recent body of work is infused with a fully realized energy and vigor that sits in dramatic juxtaposition to the lyrical quality of his superbly balanced compositions. Emboldened, it is as if he has fully owned and embraced those characteristics in his work that are so uniquely his own. The slice of life captured by this artist is not simply an expression of his expert draftsmanship - nor is he primarily engaged in the telling of a narrative theme or in the exploration of human psyche. For Calibey, painting in all its aspects --- composition, palette, surface --- is essentially an expression of dimension, proportion and even time. A wonderful example of this dynamic is embodied in the painting entitled "Between Classes." There is an inherent grace found in the stillness of the dancers enjoying the momentary respite. In contrast to their passivity, the background or negative space surrounding them is energized with texture, color and action. Perhaps this swirl of activity is an abstraction of the energy expended by the group in the course of their artistic pursuits. For Calibey it is clear the dancers need not dance to have their space alive with movement. In much the same way, color splashes across the room in "Tea Service" framing the young woman perched on her chair, enhancing the sense of expectancy her posture implies. "Empire" is a bustling cityscape which Calibey has created, not by depicting streets teaming with people, but by the imposing, windowed façade facing us and the tension of the buildings intersecting angles. Calibey often communicates in unexpected ways. We feel the girl in "Folded Hands" is demure from the tilt of her chin, but that impression is furthered by the blush of red on the floor and delicate suggestion of the patterned wall behind her. Calibey's gifts as an artist are singular. His paintings find their power primarily from his unique vision and are underscored by a masterful technique. Through an undaunting exploration of each plane and form he creates wonderful genre scenes that are both poetic and forceful. Mature and sophisticated, Calibey's works continue to satisfy the senses long after their initial impact is enjoyed. Born in 1959, Gregory Calibey has always been a man of multiple talents. He was the recipient of three national awards in painting before finishing his secondary education. He attended Wesleyan University and the University of North Carolina, where he worked with Marvin Saltzman. In addition, Calibey brings to his painting training in other disciplines including sculpting and designing. This is Mr. Calibey's third one-man exhibition with the Eleanor Ettinger Gallery and we are proud to announce that his first one-man exhibition in London will take place in late fall 2006.
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