ERIK SPEHN
Waves Become Wings
SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 24, 2026
WITCHES' CHORUS | 39 x 41 inches / 99 x 104 cm, acrylic on linen on panel, 2026
STAR-CROSSED | 54 x 54 inches / 137 x 137, acrylic on linen on shaped panel, 2026
LOVE LETTER (FRANK BOOTH) | 24 x 24 inches / 61 x 61 cm, acrylic on linen on panel, 2026
WHISPERS | 53 x 55 inches, acrylic on linen on panel, 2026
EVADING GLANCES | 39 x 39 inches / 99 x 99 cm, acrylic on linen on panel, 2026
SWEET NOTHINGS | 41 x 39 inches / 104 x 99 cm, acrylic on linen on panel, 2026
MURMURS | 39 x 41 inches / 99 x 104 cm, acrylic on linen on panel, 2026
GOAT SONG | 53 x 55 inches / 135 x 140 cm, acrylic on linen on panel, 2026
SILLY LITTLE LOVE SONG | 24 x 24 inches / 61 x 61 cm, acrylic on linen on panel, 2026
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Waves Become Wings
ERIK SPEHN
SEPTEMBER 8 - OCTOBER 24, 2026
RECEPTION
Thursday, September 10 | 6 – 8 PM
Waves Become Wings presents the latest evolution in Spehn’s ongoing exploration of a distinct formal abstract visual language, loosely based on the grid and anchored in philosophy.Operating within self-imposed compositional and procedural parameters, these works continue to examine notions that arise from the philosophical concept of principium individuationis, as well as its dissolution, blurring the lines between field and figure, objectivity and subjectivity. Rigid Apollonian systems of order are juxtaposed against Dionysian gestural mark-making, acknowledging the inherent mercurial and chaotic nature of paint itself, and the architecture necessary to constrain it.
Further reinforcing these seemingly dichotomous relationships, a concurrent and parallel line of inquiry investigates ideas of simulacra. Shaped panels are introduced and presented here side-by-side with their rectangular counterparts in pairs. Utilizing similar proportions, as well as the same reduced palettes, these Doppelgänger raise questions of authenticity, replication, and illusion, suggesting a perplexing ontological paradox.
ADDITIONAL EVENTS
In Partnership with COLLECTIVE FUTURES
Friday, October 2 | 6:30 PM
An Invitation to Look Closer
Join artist Erik Spehn for a walkthrough and conversation exploring the work on view.
First Friday | Gallery Walk
Friday, October 2 | 7 – 8 PM
Continue the evening with Philadelphia’s First Friday Gallery Walk.
Both events are free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact us at mail@pentimenti.com or call +1 215.625.9990.GALLERY HOURS: Tuesday – Friday, 10 AM – 5 PM; Saturday 12 - 5 PM or by appointment.
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Erik Spehn received his BFA from the University of Michigan School of Art, Ann Arbor, MI. He has exhibited at museums and institutions including the Buffalo AKG Art Museum, Buffalo, NY; Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, Sedalia, MO; Saarländisches Künstlerhaus, Saarbrücken, Germany; Centre d’Art Contemporain, Metz, France; and others. His work is held in numerous public and private collections, including the Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, MO; Albright–Knox Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY; Daum Museum of Contemporary Art, Sedalia, MO; Temple University, Philadelphia, PA; Microsoft, Arlington, VA; and others.