 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
||||||
 Check Out Changes in Austin's West End Russell Collection Fine Art has moved into what used to be F8 Gallery on West 6th Street. Their grand Opening is September 9, 6-9 p.m. In addition to Chagall, Picasso, Leger and Matisse works, the gallery will be showcasing new acquisitions. Wally Workman Gallery (1212 West 6th Street) has expanded its gallery and will be opening "Honora Jacob and Eliza K Thomas" on September 9, 6-8 p.m. And Downtown, don't miss Davis Gallery's upcoming exhibition, "Layers: Caprice Pierucci Taniguchi and Shawn Camp," also opening 7-9, September 9. Taniguchi's simple, rhythmic and organic works in wood complement painter, Shawn Camp's compositions. 
|
 |
AMOA Offers Fall Bounty! The Austin Museum of Art features three strong exhibitions in September. Together, they promise to stimulate visually and engage intellectually. Taking up perhaps the most space is "Mary Lee Bendolph, Gee's Bend Quilts and Beyond." The show focuses on quilts made by Mary Lee Bendolph of Gee's Bend, Alabama. Bendolph's quilts reveal brilliant color, amazing designs. Together with Bendolph's powerful expressions as well as several quilts by Bendolph's relatives; quilt influenced found object sculptures and mixed media works by Alabama artists Thornton Dial and Lonnie Holley are on view. William Kentridge is a South African artist who makes quiet yet riveting work in many media. AMOA presents "Weighing ... and Wanting," an installation made up of a stop-animated film accompanied by fourteen charcoal, pastel and gouache drawings used in the film's production. The allegorical narrative portrayed represents apartheid's devastating repercussions. It is a somber, poignant and thought-provoking work worthy of serious contemplation. Lu Ann Barrow's stylized paintings full of bright color and pattern bring smiles to many a face. The artist often depicts rural scenes, including public gatherings where people sing and dance. In specific description of events witnessed by Barrow, an uncontainable spirit of jubilation and celebration is conveyed throughout. Barrow states, "From my university days to the present my paintings have been narrative in a folkloric style using elements I've absorbed from childhood memories, from travels in Texas and the U.S., Europe, the Middle East and Mexico, from observing people and listening to their stories, and delighting in the presence of animals in our lives." There will be an Artist's Talk and Book Signing with Lu Ann Barrow and AMOA Adjunct Curator James Housefield on Saturday, September 9 at 3 p.m.
Luxurious Lacquer Fielding Lecht features an exhibition focusing on one technique - lacquer. Work by Vietnamese artists, Nhat Tran and Tran Hoang Son demonstrates the wide variety of results that can be achieved through this traditional artistic process. Nhat Tran's creations capture a myriad of earthy colors, surface qualities, textures and luminosities. Tran who currently resides in the U.S., uses Urushi, a Japanese technique to create swirling abstract designs over almost sculptural forms. These non-figurative works are not uniformly shiny and smooth, characteristics typically associated with lacquer. They are laden with textured surface decoration, revealing intricate paint patterning embedded with eggshells, plant fibers, and thyme. Tran Hoang Son's work integrates figuration and abstracted elements. His compositions mix body parts such as feet and heads, which are symbolic of the path to enlightenment in Buddhism. In addition to being an artist, Son is also a Buddhist scholar. Dominated by a palette of red, black and gold with the occasional brilliant green, his paintings are dramatic, fragmented and rife with symbolism. The theme of personal transformation is communicated effectively, even to the non-Buddhist viewer. Overall, "World of Lacquer" offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the rich qualities of this traditional medium as well as two unique artists' expressions of personal and spiritual beliefs. "World of Lacquer continues at Fielding Lecht Gallery through Saturday, October 20. For more information, contact 476-0044.  |
