Abstract paintings by Holliston, Massachusetts-based Richard Kattman are currently on view alongside those of Warwick, Rhode Island-based Eveline Luppi in “Perspectives,” which can be seen through March 26 at the Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas St., Providence, Rhode Island.Prior to the exhibition’s opening, Brian Goslow, Artscope Magazine’s managing editor, exchanged questions via email with Kattman about his work in the show and what the past year has been like for him as a painter.
TELL ME ABOUT THE FOUR WORKS IN THE SHOW …
The four artworks represented in the Perspectives exhibition are large abstract paintings completed either in studio or plein-air at awarded artist residences at Fruitlands Museum (Harvard, Massachusetts) and Brush Creek Ranch, Wyoming. The series is based on the colors red yellow blue green, as a palette developed to insure a constant source of ideas
THE LAST TIME WE REALLY GOT TO TALK, YOU WERE WANTING TO WORK LARGER. IS THAT REFLECTED IN THESE WORKS?
Working billboard size is out for me, as human scale takes on great importance. I prefer to paint what is within reach on canvas, with the viewer up close to discern detail, brushwork, and the overall image,
HOW HAS THE PAST YEAR BEEN FOR YOU IN TERMS OF FINDING SALES AND POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS OR COLLECTORS?
The pandemic, sadly, has cost us many lives of family and friends. For me however, the past year has proved extraordinary for reaching collectors and completing sales online through the international internet galleries Saatchi Art and Singulart.
Closer to home, fine galleries like Providence Art Club are successfully negotiating the pandemic and continue to generously support and provide venues to regional arts and artists.
HOW DID YOU COME TO BE TEAMED UP WITH EVELINE LUPPI? HOW WOULD YOU SAY YOUR WORK COMPLIMENTS EACH OTHER — OR DO YOU SEE THEM DIFFERENTLY?
Perspectives is an exhibition focused on two abstract painters, arranged by the Providence Art Club gallery director, Michael Rose, and staff.
Eveline Luppi’s work ranges from geometric to recent expressionism, based on pure abstraction and often referencing landscape.
My work in contrast is larger in scale but similar to Eveline’s in expressionist subject matter. Color plays a role for both painters in vastly different approaches in range and hue.
ANYTHING TO ADD THAT YOU THINK MIGHT ATTRACT ATTENTION TO YOUR WORK AND THE SHOW?
Painting is a passion, though my philosophical outlook is tempered by the practice of landscape architecture. My canvases rely heavily on observance of the environment, yet I strive for pure abstraction in the act of painting, noting influences of DeKooning and Mark Rothko. These conflicting and confluent ideas arrive on canvas as messages resulting from impulses of the mind and hand in the making of fine art, recognizing the importance of life and beauty around us.
(“Perspectives” remains on view through March 26 at the Providence Art Club, 11 Thomas St., Providence, Rhode Island. The gallery is currently open Monday through Friday from noon-4 p.m. and by appointment on weekends and can be seen in PAC’s Online Gallery; for more details, visit providenceartclub.com. Kattman’s work can also be seen in the “TENacious: Fountain Street Core Alumni Exhibition Curated by Marie Craig” through March 28 at Fountain Street, 460C Harrison Avenue, Suite 2, Boston, Massachusetts. The gallery is currently open Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. and by appointment and the exhibition can also be seen online at fsfaboston.com. To see more of Richard Kattman’s work, visit crichardkattman.com.)