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Press Release

John Berggruen Gallery is pleased to present an exhibition of recent work by David Bates. The exhibition opens Thursday, September 5th, and will continue through Saturday, October 5th.

Born in 1952 in Dallas, Texas, David Bates earned both his B.F.A. and M.F.A at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.  He also attended The Independent Study Program at The Whitney Museum of American Art in New York in 1977.  His work is characterized by a lively, bold, uniquely American style.  His sculpture mirrors the block like strokes found in his paintings.  As always, across all mediums, Mr. Bates remains true to his distinct style.

This exhibition will feature an array of sculpture and paintings by the artist.  Using his command over a range of mediums, David Bates unveils his celebration of nudes.  The paintings consist of bold outlines in white on dark surfaces, tracing the female figure from his unique perspective.  His sculptures, like his paintings, bring character and life to the static figures.  Done in bronze, the sculptures are dark in color and betray the complex curves and structure of the women he depicts. 

David Bates’ work is included in numerous public collections including the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh, PA, Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., Dallas Museum of Art, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C., San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and the Whitney Museum of Art, also in New York.

An opening reception will be held for the artist on Thursday, September 5th, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

For further information and photographs, please contact the gallery at (415) 781.4629 or info@berggruen.com.