Deborah Kruger: Feathers and Feminism

Deborah Kruger: Plumage, New Work in Fiber and Encaustic at Translations Gallery February 15 - March 15, 2008, http://www.translationsgallery.com/.
Feathers and feminism are on display at Translations Gallery in the newest work by Deborah Kruger. Deborah’s triangle-shaped compilations of feather shaped fabric colored with encaustic, a mixture of pigment and wax, give voice to her ideas of modern feminism as well as her aesthetic inspired by West African art. Her color palate is warm and bright adding a playful quality to her new work. Working from a background in textile surface design, in this work Deborah has successfully explored the raw elements of tribal design consisting of color, feathers, and an abundance of raffia. In addition to the consistent element of brightly-colored fabric; beads, cowry shells, and bits of metal can be found in many works. Wire integrated with ruffled fabric visually lifts the pieces off the flat surface of the wall and gives them depth. These elements give her triangle-based work movement and texture that make each piece unique. The most dynamic pieces have launched forward from the idea of the triangle into elongated rectangles and wing shapes which give a new interpretation to the feminine shape.

Written by "Joy"

“Saints, Prophets and Mysteries” Gene Ray George

“Saints, Prophets and Mysteries” Gene Ray George
“Sampler” Core Members
Core New Art Space. 900 Santa Fe. Denver. http://www.corenewartspace.com/
January 3-20, 2008.

900 Santa Fe. Kicking off the new exhibition year, Core New Art Space is featuring artist Gene Ray George. His show, titled ‘Saints, Prophets & Mysteries’ is a body of work comprised of collages of layered imagery on canvas. For this series, Mr. George has juxtaposed modern graphics via multiple image transfers with the mythology of various saints, prophets, and ideals. One large series features the stories of the ‘Fourteen Holy Helpers’, traditional Catholic icons whom petitioners would invoke for protection and guidance. The art requires intimacy on the part of the viewer to discern where the subtle humor intersects with a contemporary examination of these somewhat obscure tenets and icons. The art exudes a dark but gentle irreverence with which he treats the subject matter. The pieces challenge convention without necessarily offending it. The other half of the gallery is showing a dynamic sample of recent work by the cooperative’s 24 member artists. This show offers a sneak peek at the artists whose work will be shown during the upcoming exhibition year at the non-profit art space. Several new artists are slated to show in 2008 in addition to some long-standing members and the local artistic stew that fills Core’s infamous open shows. Paintings by Meg Ingraham and Katie Hoffman fill the Annex Space with an ethereal beauty. The current show runs through January 20. Artist’s opening reception is Friday, January 11 from 6-9 pm. The gallery is open Thursday-Sunday 12-6pm and Fridays 12-9pm.

-Fauvette

Joyce Coco & Pat Aaron at Spark Gallery

Joyce Coco & Pat Aaron
Spark Gallery. 900 Santa Fe. Denver. http://www.sparkgallery.com/
October 4-28, 2007.

900 Santa Fe. The current show at Spark Gallery is calm and contemplative. This month the gallery is featuring the sculptures of Pat Aaron and oil paintings by Joyce Coco. The two artists show well together, providing a balance to each other even though the work would seem unrelated. Both artists reference space and landscape through an exploration of abstract form. Joyce Coco’s large canvases are layered with translucent haze, which somehow builds up to form a line on the horizon. Like an effervescent but distant memory, details are obscured and tinted by vivid emotion. The strength of the work is the layering of color and the resulting tones. Running visually perpendicular to Coco's paintings are the stark and angular sculptures by Pat Aaron. Although the pieces are painted on the surface, it is their shape and scale that intrigue. The forms are reminiscent of ruins and raw materials at the same time. The work of both artists register as quiet observations and reflections. The show runs through October 28. The gallery is open Thursday-Saturday 12-5pm, Sunday 1-4pm. Some Fridays until 9.

Written by "Fauvette"

“Wordplay” Juried Group Show

Core New Art Space. 900 Santa Fe. Denver. http://www.corenewartspace.com/
Jurors: Tony Ortega, mixed media artist Laura Grolla, writer & visual artist September 13-30, 2007.

900 Santa Fe. The open-entry group shows at Core New Art Space are among my favorite shows of the year. They can vary widely in terms of quality and content, however they are a clear snapshot of the artistic underbelly of the city at the moment they are staged. The works in these open shows are what local artists are experimenting with here and now. They function as a collective chorus, focusing on presenting a single conceptual idea through multiple viewpoints. The current theme on view at Core is “Wordplay… to explore the strange, perhaps unsettling and often humorous results when words escape their traditional confines and inhabit artwork.” The show features several pieces that explore combining the visual with the verbal very successfully. The humorous: Mark Penner-Howell’s painting “Jesus Loves You (refinance now)” The unsettling: Wendy Band’s painting “Lost in the Sandstorm” The Strange: The trilogy of Mixed Media Ceramic Figures by Robin L. Gray - “Narcissism”, “Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder”, and “Bi-polar” Artwork by Core Member Artists is on view in the adjacent annex gallery . The show runs through September 30. The gallery is open Thursday-Sunday 12-6pm and Fridays 12-9pm.

-written by "Fauvette"

Asan Barash: Visiting Russian Artist

Native son of the former USSR, Asan Barash, is gifted with an expressionism all his own. His imaginative technique enables him to turn everyday subjects into symbolic fantasy and pure beauty with a touch of honey. One such arresting piece is a massive oil on canvas simply titled, Wasps. At first glance it appears to be a giant enflamed eyeball. Upon further inspection it is actually a close look at the intricacies of a busy hive. Pieces like this demonstrate Asan’s affinity for nature, especially his Van Gough reminiscent floral arrangements. On the opposite end is something very different, yet relatable such as the work, Haingings. Expressed here is a feeling of lonely, hopeless individualism as portrayed on the wide eyed faces of the dangling subjects. In the same sort of genera are his fantasy creations based on fabled childhood stories that combine abnormally shaped animals, scenery and houses into images that draw you into a vast and metaphorical world. Asan Barash will be showcasing at the Russian Ark International Gallery located at 931 Santa Fe Drive through the end of August. Their hours are from 12 to 5pm Tuesday thru Saturday and also by appointment.

written by: "Jetti"

Matt Sesow “Animal Farm”

Access Gallery – VSA Arts of Colorado. 909 Santa Fe. www.vsaco.org
August 16-September 8.

909 Santa Fe. Self taught artist Matt Sesow fills the Access Gallery at VSA Arts of Colorado. It would be easy to walk in and think the work is reminiscent of Basquait. However, even Basquait had a lineage. The work is also flavored with nuances of anxious chaotic energy and social critique of the Nueva Figuracion painters such as Luis Felipe Noa and Romulo Maccio. Throw in a bit of De Kooning and Dr. Seuss’ dark side. Squeeze it out through the filter of now and what you have are Matt Sesow’s paintings. A quick walk through the gallery is visually amusing. However spend a little time examining his characters and a cleverness pervades. Works such as ‘Pandas and Paparazzi’ remind me that we live in a world where we may celebrate the endangered baby animals we manage to breed in a box while we continue to destroy their habitat. Like a good Bugs Bunny cartoon, the paintings will make a child smile while the alternate narrative eludes them. The inside joke is there for the rest of us who wish to see it. Matt Sesow will be painting live at the gallery August 17th & 18th and the show runs through September 8. The gallery is open Wed – Fri 10am-6pm and Sat 10am-2pm. For more info on Matt Sesow, visit www.sesow.com

- written by "Fauvette"

Welcome to our ArtDistrict Blog!

Denver's ArtDistrict on Santa Fe has over 40 galleries in just 5 blocks. It is the most concentrated community of art galleries in the country! The ArtDistrict is starting this blog to review art exhibitions to let everyone know about the amazing artistic talents that Denver displays on a daily basis. Check back every month to read exhibition reviews and news from the ArtDistrict!