Artists That Work in Perfect Harmony: "Beyond Color" at Park Slope's New Studio/Gallery 64

Studio/Gallery 64, the newest addition to Park Slopes growing art scene, is opening with an inaugural group show, Beyond Color," on Thursday, June 23, at 6:30pm. Beyond Color," features an exciting and provocative mix of work by artists that, despite diverse backgrounds and sensibilities, have successfully achieved a harmonious vision.

(PRWEB) May 26, 2005 -- Studio/Gallery 64, the newest addition to Park Slopes growing art scene, is opening with an inaugural group show, Beyond Color," on Thursday, June 23, at 6:30pm. Beyond Color," features an exciting and provocative mix of work by artists that, despite diverse backgrounds and sensibilities, have successfully achieved a harmonious vision.

The seven artists featured in this exhibit present works ranging from impassioned expressionism to rigorous realism, all with an emphasis on color and all reaching beyond boundaries both seen and unseen.

Otto Neals is a painter, sculptor, illustrator, and printmaker, and creator of the striking oak and mahogany carving, The Spirit of 76," that graces the lobby of Brooklyns Main Post Office. Respectful of his ancestral heritage, Mr. Neals describes himself as an instrument that receives the artistic spirit of his ancestors," channeling them beyond limitations imposed by time and making them come alive for the next generation.

Donovan Nelson is a young, highly-talented, painter who is developing a growing notoriety for luminous portraits. Mr. Nelsons art extends beyond strict literal representation, capturing on canvas the souls of his subjects in a way many are unable to obtain. One striking example is his portrayal of Mr. Neals, posing in his studio and dressed in an elegant dashiki, his stately presence and deep spirituality intensely palpable. Mr. Nelson also presents more recently-painted landscapes where he conveys beautifully the play of light on the meadows, trees, and monuments in and around Prospect Park.

Glen Martin and Carlton Murrell, two widely-exhibited Caribbean-born artists, have received substantial recognition for their works, which are part of many prestigious permanent corporate and institutional collections. They are co-owners and curators of the Studio/Gallery 64. It is clear why these two have partnered as they share a sense of color and style that is easygoing and thoughtful. Mr. Martin plays with light and soft hues, evoking a subtle sensuality in his subjects: Caribbean beauties working on their everyday chores in quiet, contented harmony. Mr. Martin also explores the use of various media, improvising in ways that blur the boundaries of what art should and shouldnt be."

Using a palette and an emotional tone that is a bit deeper than his business partner, Mr. Murrell depicts scenes of sparsely populated roads and quiet woodland homes that convey an atmosphere of peaceful, quiet solitude. In one serene landscape painting, Mr. Murrells artful use of open, empty space in the image enables the viewer to find rest within the scene.

Paul Patous is a Swedish artist living in Brooklyn, painting realistic urban landscapes that explore the many aspects of gesture and nuance. These snapshots of city life, set day or night, in parks or streets, realistically render familiar scenes, while paying homage to the impressionistic landscape tradition of masters such as Claude Monet.

Howard Skrill, whose work is more abstract in nature, makes liberal use of the power of color. My work is focused on observations of the physical and psychic barriers to perception, says Mr. Skrill. Using a disciplined and spare approach, he explores the act of seeing the beyond" in his work. I began first by painting objects that could be glimpsed far in the distance or sensed at the edge of perception, with the viewer experiencing separation through strongly articulated barriers. Slowly I began to place the emphasis on the barriers themselves, where they often dissolve in sprays of color or gesture, thereby further obscuring perception of the object."

Glenn Roopchand, a muralist and illustrator, employs a combination of techniques to express his philosophy of connectedness with the feminine principle. Using soothing colors and fluid forms that ease gently into eachother, he strives to evoke feelings of universal affinity, again blurring and getting beyond rigid boundaries that, as he sees it, keep beings apart from this natural oneness.

The singular, sophisticated approach each artist takes, results in a body of work that goes beyond color on many levels. Each successfully bridges the distance that distinguishes what is merely mechanical rendering of subjects to create successful works of art. The works, like the artists themselves, ultimately go beyond color, allowing real relationships to develop between artist and observer.

Beyond Color" opens Thursday, June 23, 6:30pm at Studio/Gallery 64, 64 St Marks Ave (off 6th Ave), in Park Slope, Brooklyn.    
Phone: Carlton: 917.825.7091, Glen 917.757.4515.

The opening event will include music and refreshments. The show runs through July 16. Gallery hours are Fri, Sat, Sun 11am-7pm, or by appointment.

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