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This year's 8th Annual Abstraction International Juried Online International Exhibition turned out to be one of the largest and most difficult in making selections. The following artists' imagery are recognized for having presented some very engaging artworks.
LeeAnn Alexander provides an awesome work in her piece “Chrysalis” a digital print using acrylic. This metamorphic imaginal stage characterized here by a kind of internal dedifferentiation of the various structures of these stages is quite striking. Her interpretation of this idealized mental state of a winged stage of the process is visually rich and certainly fantastic. What is also notable is the fact that acrylic has been added to the mix.
Hart Boyd brings a high level of creativity in his original unique C-Prints. In his pieces “u3jne” and “unnuu” there’s a lightness of quality moving across and through unusual gatherings with folds and crevices. It’s great to see such inventiveness and mystery in this creative and rather florid bravura.
Brandon Duncan creates wonderfully rich textural works in his digital prints “Discharge” and “Nano”, both dramatically enticing with the strong diagonality and range of intense reds, oranges and greens. The mechanical advantage seems awakened by the contrast of the geometry with the organic. Also the exceptional detailing and vertical presentation is admirable.
Roger Eriksen uses photography in his Ice Pyramid Series. In the work “Ice Pyramid: Melt” there is an action taking place in which the background embraces the foreground. Ice which is cold and the sun which is hot interact in such a way as to show the interplay of such opposites. Thoughts of global warming cannot be dismissed in this particular work.
Greg Fuqua remarkably tackles the psychological. In his superbly rendered charcoal drawing entitled “Passive/Aggressive” the notion of contrasting a quietude with unexpected encroachments is curious. The large swirls moving forcefully thoughout the large piece work well with the more concentrated areas creating a slower pace rhythmically flowing in readiness with an obtrusion in the upper left.
John Hicks boldly makes a strong visual prologue in his acrylic painting “Puzzle Me This”. The dramatic color tonality speaks volumes in the rather loosely grid like structure which make the pieces or puzzle parts work together. Using “blue in the face” is appropriate in such a wonderful predicament.
Denise Hiestand has seven intriguing oil paintings in the show. Of special note is “Orange Shapes” since the bottom of the work tends to give it a spatial reference as if the floating shapes are cornered. This freeform configuration placed in a structured environment enhances the fluidity of the imagery.
Brent A Holland creates two mixed media works that are full of information giving a continual change of visual interest. His “Interior 1” in the horizontal format and dominant yellow chroma of solid areas nicely contrast with the more detailed and patterned areas. In his other “Interior” the predominant vertical pasley-like section gives focus to the other sections that have an inner tilt.
Lih-ting Li Kostrzewa in the use of charcoal and acrylic presents a rather loose and playful representation of “A Bird in Landscape”. This free form approach helps to suggest the lightness and freedom associated with birds.
Vahagn Marukyants captures the dramatic in his clay and mixed media works. In “Gambler” the hands seem to clutch the head as if in some kind of agonizing frustration with having taken chances that didn’t work out. An addictive nature is perhaps suggested in showing the head encased in a kind of shell.
John Nolan of Ireland is a prolific colorist. In his acrylic on canvas work entitled “Rhapsody” he maintains a warm palette with vibrant reds, yellows and oranges. The approach is richly expressive and exciting with the linear paths and bouncing circles and large asterisk-like shape. All of his choices for this show are compelling.
Melody Pai use more toned down coloration in her piece “Mechanisms” developing a large central area suggesting a force radiating out with associated parts. This general movement countered with the connecting vertical and horizontal cantilevered sections help to generate a sense of movement.
Dennis Quinn has some interesting works using xerox and oil. In his “Sentimental Tragedy” the centralized youthful image in the context of the rather old and rough textured wall treatment is challenging. The subtle lightened area which reinforces the cross-like vertical/horizontal pattern adds much to the message as well as the dull red. The concave section at the bottom may suggest a tomblike structure.
Esther E. Randall provides several handsome bronze and steel sculptures. One of her fortes is her use of the pedestal or columns that uplift her works giving them an importance in addition to evoking a kind of elegance. “Botany Bay II” and “Carved Capriccio: Canterbury” have this expression. “Carved Capriccio: Flying” with the curved steel linear parts adds a lightness to the upward lift.
Eric O. Schneider continues his manipulation with imagery in the digital realm. In “Genie Grants His Own Wish” there’s a richness of visual forces with multi-patterned areas all coming together with the overall imagery of the genie in the middle. The idea of a genie granting his own wish is quite wonderful and imaginative.
P. J. Sulzby Jr. has five interesting patterned works in pen and ink. In “Pattern 4” the figure/ground relationship is more apparent in that at the bottom of the the intensely complex patterning there seems to be a base and/or a container or two. This two-dimensional and implied 3-dimensional quality is a viable direction.
Waseem Touma sparks interest with his work entitled “Possibilities” which is certainly an elaboration of what is possible with the imagination. The installation of the curvilinear dance across a large bricked interior space is invigorating. The intense light violet and yellow contrast enhanced with the black light adds an even greater richness. Additionally the concavity and convexity gives a kind of breathing to the piece. Any actual air movement in the space would increase the quality of this powerful work.
Rose Van Vranken, well known for her bronze sculptures, gives a masterful work in her piece “Song of the Sea”. The use of bronze to depict aspects of the moving sea is a good contrast. The ovoids give a kind of life force quality and the pointed areas are suggestive of the peaks of waves.
Kevin von Kluck understands textural richness. In his piece “Berlin” made of steel, wire, chain, rope and other mixed media he creates a dynamic work in a kind of portrait format. His other works in the show are also visually commanding.
All the artists who have submitted to this international competition deserve a round of applause and encouragement to continue to bring their great and wonderful insights into the realm of the visual world of art! |
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Sincerely,
Larry Bradshaw
Curator, Professor of Art |
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