Wosone Kosrof's "Masks of the Dancers" is on display at Joysmith/Sunsum.
With 33 works by nine artists, "Driven To Abstraction," on display at Joysmith Gallery, might be more aptly called "Propelled To Distraction."
Reyna Castano's "The Face of Truth" resembles skyscrapers under siege.
Wosone Kosrof's "Masks of the Dancers" is on display at Joysmith/Sunsum.
The whirlwind of paintings, from far-flung parts of the globe including Mexico, Ghana, Ethiopia, Mexico, New York, Denver and the Dominican Republic, play off each other with humor and sophistication, creating an unexpected international dialogue about contemporary abstract art.
In quantity and canvas size, the series of big, bold acrylics by Reyna Castano, a self-described "abstract informalist," dominate the South Main gallery -- fittingly, they're placed in the front of the room, where they demand complete attention.
First, there's the audacious "Definitions," comprised of tactile layers of matte brown and black paint interspersed with streaks of glossy red, offset by deep X's gouged into the canvas.
With the garish "Pause in the Infinite," a study in rusty orange, yellow and shiny magenta, and "The Face Of Truth," which adds creams and blues to the mix, Castano's vision comes into sharper focus. The Monterrey, Mexico, native, who comes from an architectural background, has created coldly structural yet intensely emotional work that, with rectangular shapes and grid-like patterns of gougings, resembles skyscrapers under siege.
Five works by Denver artist Lela Kay are displayed on perpendicular walls. Where Castano's paintings scream, Kay's whisper, with subdued oranges, grays and browns. In "Galaxies," bright red bracelets float on the edges of a muted yellow-brown field, giving viewers the chance to re-center themselves after taking in Castano's chaotic, violent work.
In "Amor Termenal" and "Paseo Termenal," Dominican painter Antonio Carreno's work complements aspects of both Castano and Kay's work, blending sand and paint to build bumpy backdrops the color of a café mocha, then accentuating the textures with elegant, calligraphy-like jet black lines.
By the time you reach Brenda Joysmith's pastel on paper "Abstract I," the darkness is dispelled, as lithe arches and bursts of color seem to dance across the canvas.
New York-based painter and photographer Adger Cowans continues the buoyant mood with two acrylic paintings from his "Sky Earth Series," which feature multi-colored squiggles dancing across blue and brown horizons.
Three pieces by California native Bill Dallas combine Far East and western techniques. He uses a palate knife, sticks and his bare hands to apply acrylics onto masonite boards. "Kind Of Blue" features various blues -- reds, yellows and cream, too -- daubed and combed across the canvas, while a more complex piece called "A Mountain Village" is divided into two halves, one left nearly spare and the other covered in short, static strokes that bristle with energy.
That energy flows to the other side of the gallery, where Ghana-born painter Tafa's "The March" deftly reduces sign-carrying protestors into an abstract zig-zag that cuts across the canvas.
'Driven to Abstraction '
Through Aug. 31 at Joysmith/Sunsum Gallery, 46 Huling.
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Comments » 1
JuliusArnette writes:
Born of abandonment and graced by God, we are privileged to have the finest Impressionistic Modern Artist of Memphis’ in our lifetime. He has the passion of someone who has had to make his way in this world on his own and been truly successful at it. His work ethic and morals are human. His love is that of common man.
I am a huge Impressionism fan. Monet and Van Gogh are my lifetime favorites. I am pleased and feel blessed that my grandchildren will have the opportunity to enjoy their contributions to the world as I have in my lifetime. I will make sure of that.
The reason I love their works so much is because they were masters at their art and one does not need to psychoanalyze their works to see their vision and feel their passion. Add Seurat in that group as well. Love those guys!
Well, we are fortunate to have such an artist in our presence this day and time. Kenneth Lecco is that artist. Like Monet and Van Gogh, there is a mastered medium and a passionate movement within every piece of art. Although not in the same medium precisely, they are one in the same. One does not need to reach for an interpretation for any of these artist, just read their stories and you will feel their passion. As for the respects of Ken, and it is our great privileged to do so, just ask him. Every piece has a story that is filled with determinism and passion in an ever-lasting work of art.
If you have not seen Kenneth’s work, herd the stories and meanings behind them and asked him about the passions alive in his work, you are missing a shooting star that will only be seen in our lifetime. The beauty of it all is that the opportunity is strictly up to you to take advantage of. No one will force you, but your soul will be missing something that, for free, could be filled.
I encourage all to go to his gallery, or many displays of his works, read the stories then go meet one of the most beautiful people of our lifetime. Not to mention one of our neighbors. He resides, works, lives and loves right here in this day, and most importantly, in this city. What an opportunity. Wouldn’t you love to be able to say that about Monet, Van Gogh or Seurat?
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