Ebony & Ivory Art Exhibit
EBONY & IVORY - with a splash of color! February 2023 Art Exhibit
Opening Reception: Saturday, February 4 / 12:00 Noon - 1:30 PM
On Exhibit: February 4 - February 24, 2023
Judge: Paul Iezzi
On Exhibit: February 4 - February 24, 2023
Judge: Paul Iezzi
“Color is descriptive. Black and white is interpretive.”
– Eliott Erwitt
Working in black and white forces the artist to focus on the essentials - composition, contrast, negative and positive space. Time and time again, we've seen this singular focus lead to exceptional works of art. Which is why we're showcasing black and white work in our February art exhibit . . . with just a pop of color!
AWARDS
VIRTUAL EXHIBIT
THANK YOU to all the artists who submitted their work digitally!
JUDGE'S STATEMENT
The Black and White themed show at Gallery 53 is a very strong and dynamic exhibition. There is a variety of subject matter and media in the show. In judging this show some very difficult decisions had to be made. In earnest, every piece was considered for an award.
I chose Morant's Curve by Sam Carr as the Best in Show. I found this photograph immediately striking. The work is compositionally dynamic. The blurred touches of color, red and white coming from the engine of the drain draw the viewer into the landscape.
First place is a painting of a young woman, Stop by Franklin Silva, floating or being held by the shape of white hands. The work is highly imaginative and evocative. The figure’s mood is pensive but the overall feeling of the work is rather dreamy. Interesting choice of two different colored shoes.
Second place is Wildflower by Katherine Despres, an alcohol ink drawing of a flower. The ink is used in a imaginative manner to suggest pattern and shape. The nature of the medium and the way in which it is manipulated suggests movement and growth. The drawing exhibits a great deal of creative exploration.
Third place is given to Visitor by Bruce Blackman, a woodcut print. The portrait is a dynamic use of the woodcut medium. The downward cast of the eyes together with the striking black and white woodcut pattern combine to create tension. The rather serious mood of the sitter gives the viewer a glimpse of his inner world and leaves us to wonder.
Artwork that I looked at very closely, but due to the number of awards allocated, weren’t able to receive an award include” Spinning by Michael Miller, Sentinels in the Fog by Carol Kurwelnz, Timeless II by Bernadette Bellizzi, Meghan #2 by Sal Barracca, and The Celestial Event by Katherine Despres.
I very much enjoyed viewing and judging the Black & White Exhibition. I hope you enjoy it as well.
- Paul Iezzi
I chose Morant's Curve by Sam Carr as the Best in Show. I found this photograph immediately striking. The work is compositionally dynamic. The blurred touches of color, red and white coming from the engine of the drain draw the viewer into the landscape.
First place is a painting of a young woman, Stop by Franklin Silva, floating or being held by the shape of white hands. The work is highly imaginative and evocative. The figure’s mood is pensive but the overall feeling of the work is rather dreamy. Interesting choice of two different colored shoes.
Second place is Wildflower by Katherine Despres, an alcohol ink drawing of a flower. The ink is used in a imaginative manner to suggest pattern and shape. The nature of the medium and the way in which it is manipulated suggests movement and growth. The drawing exhibits a great deal of creative exploration.
Third place is given to Visitor by Bruce Blackman, a woodcut print. The portrait is a dynamic use of the woodcut medium. The downward cast of the eyes together with the striking black and white woodcut pattern combine to create tension. The rather serious mood of the sitter gives the viewer a glimpse of his inner world and leaves us to wonder.
Artwork that I looked at very closely, but due to the number of awards allocated, weren’t able to receive an award include” Spinning by Michael Miller, Sentinels in the Fog by Carol Kurwelnz, Timeless II by Bernadette Bellizzi, Meghan #2 by Sal Barracca, and The Celestial Event by Katherine Despres.
I very much enjoyed viewing and judging the Black & White Exhibition. I hope you enjoy it as well.
- Paul Iezzi
Paul Iezzi is a noted Connecticut Artist and Art Educator. He holds a BA in Fine Art/Painting from Hofstra University, and MA in Painting from Indiana University as well as a 6th Year Degree (GLSP) in Painting/Drawing and Teacher Certification in Art for K-12 from Wesleyan University. Mr. Iezzi is a Visiting Instructor in Painting/Drawing at Wesleyan University, and Adjunct Instructor in Painting/Drawing/Art History at Capital Community College, Middlesex Community College, and Manchester Community College. He is also a Creative Therapist at the Children and Adolescent Units at Mount Sinai Hospital and teaches Youth and Adult Painting and Drawing at Farmington Valley Arts Center. Beyond his work as an art educator, Paul Iezzi has exhibited extensively throughout Connecticut and across the country.
Learn more about Mr. Iezzi on his website. |