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June 2017
Review The Persuasion of Art Contemporary Artists of Southern Arizona at Tucson JCC Art Gallery Reviewed by C.J. Shane |
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Contemporary Artists of Southern Arizona (CASA) has a wonderful new exhibit on view now at the Tucson JCC Art Gallery titled "The Persuasion of Art." Actually a more specific title would be “The Persuasion of Abstract Art.” That's because virtually every painting in this exhibit is an abstraction. Consequently for those of us who love abstract art, this show is a delight.
“Persuasion” features several favorite artists, among them Sheryl Holland, Marti White, and Mary Bourret. Also attractive about this particular exhibit is the large number of large-scale abstract pieces. It’s not often that art lovers get to experience so many imposing abstract paintings in one place. Because this is a large exhibit, only a few will be mentioned here.
“Persuasion” features several favorite artists, among them Sheryl Holland, Marti White, and Mary Bourret. Also attractive about this particular exhibit is the large number of large-scale abstract pieces. It’s not often that art lovers get to experience so many imposing abstract paintings in one place. Because this is a large exhibit, only a few will be mentioned here.
Perdita Andrews’s large-scale painting, Earthen Treasures, won a third-prize in the exhibit, but deserved a higher ranking. Andrews makes use of color in subtle and compelling ways, and the earthen vessels are understated to support the overall effect of abstraction. Best of all, though, is the delicate and complex texture on the surface of the painting that only adds to its allure.
Best in Show went to Denise Mathot’s The Day After Yesterday, a strongly composed and rhythmic painting that was absorbing until I saw the painting right next to it which is titled The Day Before Tomorrow. I like Tomorrow even more than Yesterday.
Best in Show went to Denise Mathot’s The Day After Yesterday, a strongly composed and rhythmic painting that was absorbing until I saw the painting right next to it which is titled The Day Before Tomorrow. I like Tomorrow even more than Yesterday.
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Recently I’ve been collecting images of artwork that incorporate asemic writing. (Asemic writing is defined as “a wordless open semantic form of writing. The word asemic means ‘having no specific semantic content,’ or ‘without the smallest unit of meaning.’ A google search for “asemic writing art” (click on Images) will illustrate this specialized type of artistic expression. Pinterest has several boards devoted to asemic writing art.
Eileen Dudley’s Native Seeds II links visually to the painting’s title in with its references to sprouting grass and layers of earth. But those lines also have a link to artworks that include asemic writing as a dominant feature. There’s a message in the imagery. |
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Peggy Steffens's Behind the Veil is a beautiful abstract with a color palette that works well, and a composition that pulls us in. Her painting is just one of many excellent works in this exhibit of abstract art.
Don’t miss “The Persuasion of Art” at the Tucson JCC now through July 11, 2017.
Tucson JCC is located at 3800 E. River Road.
Learn more about Contemporary Artists of Southern Arizona HERE>
Don’t miss “The Persuasion of Art” at the Tucson JCC now through July 11, 2017.
Tucson JCC is located at 3800 E. River Road.
Learn more about Contemporary Artists of Southern Arizona HERE>