Capturing the “edge of chaos” has been the artistic goal of photographer David Ricci for the past four decades. His training as an engineer has steered his sensibilities to the observation and documentation of systems that complexity scientists investigate: What occurs when large quantities of individual elements coalesce? At these super high levels of organization, what new structures arise? According to Ricci’s forthcoming book, a whole new phenomenon appears, fundamentally different and greater than any of its parts. This phenomenon is the “edge of chaos.” Ricci goes on to explain, “Like free jazz, everything is not always in perfect harmony, yet a novel, vibrant creation surfaces.” In his book and current solo exhibit, both titled “Edge of Chaos,” Ricci explores these questions with photographs he has taken since the mid-1980s. Ricci brings both his natural predilection for … [Read more...] about EDGE OF CHAOS: PHOTOGRAPHS BY DAVID RICCI OPENS AT ARTSPACE MAYNARD
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MARKS OF EMOTION: ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM IN MAYNARD
Spring has brought a visually compelling exhibit to ArtSpace Maynard. “Mark of Emotion,” curated by Sallie Strand, presents the stylistically diverse paintings of three accomplished abstract artists, Joanne Holtje, Jane Cohen and Strand. Having met several years ago in an abstract painting class, Holtje, Cohen and Strand have maintained a professional relationship based on their common vision of abstraction, each whom are engaged in a distinct approach. In her curator’s statement, Strand has likened the artists’ work to Abstract Expressionism — emphasis on process, interior reflection and energetic spontaneity. Significantly in their respective artist’s statements, each artist cites the relevance of intuition as a guide in the exploration her work. As curator, Strand chose the theme “mark of emotion” since she sees abstract art, both creating it and viewing it, as all about … [Read more...] about MARKS OF EMOTION: ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM IN MAYNARD
Love is Louder: Open Borders at Artspace Maynard
On first view, “Waste Not,” an exhibition featuring works by Lorraine Sullivan, Anne Plaisance, Stephen Martin and Kim Triedman (the show’s curator), holds many elements of life — or past life — that I’m quite fond of, especially pieces from old storefronts and corner stores and weathered buildings that I attach to feelings of warmth. Old windows are turned into picture frames, store fixtures become statues and a partially disembodied mannequin sits in a pre-prefabrication wooden wheelchair seems to have been positioned to ensure no one visits the exhibition feeling alone (the work is Plaisance’s “No Love Lost.”). And, indeed, in late 2018, a gallery is the one place many artisans don’t feel alone. A closer look, however revealed some works that could — and perhaps should — feel disturbing. Three works by Plaisance, who came to the United States from Paris three years ago, … [Read more...] about Love is Louder: Open Borders at Artspace Maynard