HIGH RIVER ARTS - Understanding Abstract and Modern Art. By Jane Willson, for High River Times, pg. 7, September 20, 2011
Let’s talk abstract art and modern expressionism. How often have you looked at a painting and thought “I could do that”? If you are artistically challenged, as I am, and have tried your hand at basic doodling, colour mixing, geometric patterns or any type of conceptual art, you quickly realize that artistic talent and an art education are requirements in these visual languages!
As a lover of all types of art, I do have a fondness for the non-conventional. In the past, I have never really analyzed why I like certain pieces, I just know that I like what I see – or not. It wasn’t until I started asking questions at the galleries or of the artists here in High River that I began to learn the concepts behind these forms. There are variations of abstract dating back to its beginnings in the 1800s whereas modern art/expressionism blossomed in the 1900s. Keeping in mind how rigid everything in society was in the 1800s, for an artist to “paint outside the lines” so to speak, was to defy the conventional and bring the wrath of the traditionalists upon his head.
The 1900s brought forth artists that wanted to express their emotions through their art as opposed to recreating images. Thankfully, the human spirit to create and grow is something that artists have an overabundance of and we are much more fortunate because of them.
The goal of abstract art is to depict an image in a non-representational way without actually depicting the image. Modern expressionism uses colour, techniques and materials to create an expression of the artist’s emotion. As someone who loves puzzles, these are the ultimate visual puzzles. While the artist is attempting to convey an image or an emotion, it is up to us to participate in the unraveling of the artist’s intent.
Want to try your hand in some puzzle solving and see some wonderful abstract art and modern expressionism? Most of the galleries here in High River have both of these forms on display. Fortunately there is a wonderful show at Evanescence Gallery, 61-- 8th Avenue SE, which is currently displaying some brilliant work. The artist is Mali Vargas and I must confess I have already purchased one of her paintings earlier in the year. And yes, it was love at first sight and I definitely had no knowledge of the art behind it or Mali’s impressive credentials. To quote from her website “she is concentrating on a series of paintings relating to the emotional expression of sensations based on memories and dream-like qualities. The work is accomplished through the use of intense colors and varieties of stroke and layers”. That said, her work is definitely strong and eye-catching. Do make the effort to see her work at Evanescence Gallery as well as visit the many other galleries in town and see if you can understand the puzzles and emotions presented in these art forms.
The High River Arts Society is also having a show and sale at Carlson’s on Macleod until September 25th. This is a great opportunity to hoist a glass to our local artists and add some wonderful art to your home!
Jane Willson is a freelance writer and art enthusiast. She can be reached at janewillsonhra@gmail.com
© Copyright (c) Jane Willson
As a lover of all types of art, I do have a fondness for the non-conventional. In the past, I have never really analyzed why I like certain pieces, I just know that I like what I see – or not. It wasn’t until I started asking questions at the galleries or of the artists here in High River that I began to learn the concepts behind these forms. There are variations of abstract dating back to its beginnings in the 1800s whereas modern art/expressionism blossomed in the 1900s. Keeping in mind how rigid everything in society was in the 1800s, for an artist to “paint outside the lines” so to speak, was to defy the conventional and bring the wrath of the traditionalists upon his head.
The 1900s brought forth artists that wanted to express their emotions through their art as opposed to recreating images. Thankfully, the human spirit to create and grow is something that artists have an overabundance of and we are much more fortunate because of them.
The goal of abstract art is to depict an image in a non-representational way without actually depicting the image. Modern expressionism uses colour, techniques and materials to create an expression of the artist’s emotion. As someone who loves puzzles, these are the ultimate visual puzzles. While the artist is attempting to convey an image or an emotion, it is up to us to participate in the unraveling of the artist’s intent.
Want to try your hand in some puzzle solving and see some wonderful abstract art and modern expressionism? Most of the galleries here in High River have both of these forms on display. Fortunately there is a wonderful show at Evanescence Gallery, 61-- 8th Avenue SE, which is currently displaying some brilliant work. The artist is Mali Vargas and I must confess I have already purchased one of her paintings earlier in the year. And yes, it was love at first sight and I definitely had no knowledge of the art behind it or Mali’s impressive credentials. To quote from her website “she is concentrating on a series of paintings relating to the emotional expression of sensations based on memories and dream-like qualities. The work is accomplished through the use of intense colors and varieties of stroke and layers”. That said, her work is definitely strong and eye-catching. Do make the effort to see her work at Evanescence Gallery as well as visit the many other galleries in town and see if you can understand the puzzles and emotions presented in these art forms.
The High River Arts Society is also having a show and sale at Carlson’s on Macleod until September 25th. This is a great opportunity to hoist a glass to our local artists and add some wonderful art to your home!
Jane Willson is a freelance writer and art enthusiast. She can be reached at janewillsonhra@gmail.com
© Copyright (c) Jane Willson
Art forMS Takes Off By Pamela Haskell, For Neighbours
Photo by Jeremy Martel
Creating excitement for a new and unknown event is challenging, but Mali Docktor is committed.
As organizer of Art ForMS, an art show benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mali started by looking for artists affected by MS, or those who believe in working for a cure.
Right away, Mali's efforts struck a chord with Darcy Lundgren, owner of DaDe Art and Design Lab in Inglewood with business partner Greg Fraser. Darcy was inspired to donate his space for the event. "Giving back and trying to make a difference is what it's all about for me," he says.
It was soon clear that many felt the same way. Both emerging and renowned local artists responded to Mali's call and the pieces were flooding in. For a moment, it even looked like there might be more artwork than available space. "We were offered so many great pieces, more than I expected" Mali says, "luckily we found space for everything."
The inaugural Art ForMS exhibit was held April 22nd at the DaDe Art and Design Lab, featuring prints, glasswork, photographs, jewelry and more donated by local and international artists. Several pieces went up for bid with a live auctioneer, while other work was available for silent auction.
Funds raised went to the local chapter of the MS Society, under the banner of Team Docktor, a fundraising group which participates in the MS Society's annual walk and bike events.
The team was formed in 2009 by Mali Docktor in honor of her husband Ben Docktor, who suffers from MS.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
As organizer of Art ForMS, an art show benefiting the Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mali started by looking for artists affected by MS, or those who believe in working for a cure.
Right away, Mali's efforts struck a chord with Darcy Lundgren, owner of DaDe Art and Design Lab in Inglewood with business partner Greg Fraser. Darcy was inspired to donate his space for the event. "Giving back and trying to make a difference is what it's all about for me," he says.
It was soon clear that many felt the same way. Both emerging and renowned local artists responded to Mali's call and the pieces were flooding in. For a moment, it even looked like there might be more artwork than available space. "We were offered so many great pieces, more than I expected" Mali says, "luckily we found space for everything."
The inaugural Art ForMS exhibit was held April 22nd at the DaDe Art and Design Lab, featuring prints, glasswork, photographs, jewelry and more donated by local and international artists. Several pieces went up for bid with a live auctioneer, while other work was available for silent auction.
Funds raised went to the local chapter of the MS Society, under the banner of Team Docktor, a fundraising group which participates in the MS Society's annual walk and bike events.
The team was formed in 2009 by Mali Docktor in honor of her husband Ben Docktor, who suffers from MS.
© Copyright (c) The Calgary Herald
