PHILADELPHIA, PA.- Projects Gallery presents its second solo exhibition of Florence Putterman. Known for her textural paintings and bold, earthy colors, Noir et Blanc features works in only black and white, focusing the exhibition on Putterman’s keen image-making. Utilizing etching and woodcuts, these works on paper continue to explore an imaginative world of whimsy and humor. Expressive and figurative, these prints are companion pieces to her often large-scale paintings that have been the benchmark of this artist’s extensive body of work. Through these narrative prints, we are invited to explore both land and seascapes where humans interact with the animals and nature as a benevolent observer and caretaker. Putterman has the ability to interpret dreams and fantasy with charm and an almost child-like touch. Frogs and elephants, stars and moons all weave a tale of adventure with no certain meaning but a sense of nocturnal déjà vu.

Putterman has had an extension exhibition history, and her works are included in many private and public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Brooklyn Museum and the Philadelphia Museum. In 1988 she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Pennsylvania State University.

Projects Gallery proudly presents Elizabeth Bisbing in her first Philadelphia solo exhibition entitled People / Places / Paper. Known for her skillful cut-paper assemblages that pay homage to familiar classical works, Bisbing creates delicately layered miniatures. For this exhibition, she creates interiors inspired by the works from the Dutch Golden Age as well as a series of figures from the wider body of art history. Expanding on the concept of a Victorian parlor game, Bisbing has removed or hidden most of the faces in these postcard-size portraits. Male and female saints, a geisha, and figures borrowed from Vermeer to Klimt all become featureless, teasing with the concept of what is hidden and revealed. The scenes of these recognizable images take on a new dimensionality and an intimate approachable scale through the artist’s sure hand. Through her interpretation of these precise cut-paper works, the art historical images take on a modern vitality.

Bisbing is a graduate of Moore Collage of Art and Design and received her MFA from Vermont College. Her work has been reviewed in New York Magazine and The Sun.

Noir et Blanc and People / Places / Paper both open First Friday, April 4th with an artist reception from 5-8 p.m. and continues through March 26, 2008. The reception is free and open to the public.