Opening Reception: Saturday March 28, 2015 from 5-8pm
Exhibition: March 28 - April 25, 2015

ROBERT BERMAN GALLERY is pleased to present Endangered Species, a survey of marquetry works by Los Angeles artist William Tunberg. Tunberg is amongst an endangered species of artists - marquetry sculptors.  Marquetry is an art form that spans back to the 16th Century.  It involves hand cutting, forming and applying pieces of dyed and natural wood veneer to a structure to form patterns and designs with a smooth finish.  Now, in the 21st Century, what was once a revered and popular art form is now rare and nearly extinct. Tunberg’s modern marquetry is the perfect marriage of traditional drawing, assemblage, sculpture and design, and Tunberg brings this Renaissance skill into the contemporary age. 

Endangered Species will feature marquetry works of all sizes, both small and large, 2- and 3-dimensional,  challenging form and function.  Tunberg combines abstracted imagery with a complex sculptural form to create one flourishing object.  Often mistaken as paintings, Tunberg’s works utilize hardwoods that seamlessly ebb and flow, creating an irresistible invitation to visually explore every intricate cut.  From wall panels, to sculptures to furniture, this exhibition will highlight the artistry Tunberg has developed during his 50-year career.

William Tunberg’s works can be found in numerous collections, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Asher Collection; Museum of Modern Art, Sao Paulo, Brazil; The Hewlett-Packard Corporation; Hasselblad Corporation; General Dynamics; Santa Monica Museum of Contemporary Art; Chapman University; and University of California Riverside.