Tom Kotik's SLAVE TO THE RHYTHM Set for Lesley Heller Workspace, 6/10-7/11

Lesley Heller Workspace presents, Slave to the Rhythm, the recent work of Tom Kotik. This exhibition is a continuation of Kotik's past explorations into methods of visualizing sound.

Much like the staff register in sheet music, there is a reductionist format Kotik uses to compose forms and colors on the wall. The human brain is trained to respond to rhythm sonically; less noticed is the effect rhythm has on our other senses. For example, a tennis player timing the perfect shot, or the cadence of an author when reading aloud. Kotik recognizes the profound effect that rhythm has on our daily lives and how we respond to it, whether it be The Monkeys, Mozart, or drilling in the street.

Tom Kotik began making sound pieces in 2004 while working on his graduate sculpture thesis at Hunter College. A longtime musician and member of the rock band, Sportsman's Paradise, Kotik had kept his musical endeavors separate from his art work until the inspiration came to him to combine the two threads of his creative life.

The sculptures are not specific songs or musical compositions, but mediations on harmony between the forms depicted in rhythmic space. For each sculpture, Kotik was thinking of a bass line with one steady note and beat underneath, with the melody floating over that, engaging the bass line. Kotik's work reminds us that rhythm is the secret to many of the things we do and experience daily.

Tom Kotik is an artist, musician and curator. In 2015 Kotik was in included in group shows at Brooklyn Fireproof, Art Helix and Whitebox Art Center. In 2014 he received a grant to work in Prague at Meet Factory for three months, culminating in a solo installation at Kostka Gallery. Kotik is also a curator with Arts Brookfield.

Tom Kotik Artist Talk: Thursday, July 9, 6:30 pm. On view June 10 - July 11, 2015. Opening Reception: Wednesday, June 10, 6-8pm. For more information, visit www.lesleyheller.com. Lesley Heller Workspace is located at 54 Orchard Street, New York, NY 10002. Call 212 410 6120 for more. Gallery Hours: Wednesday - Saturday 11 - 6; Sunday 12 - 6.