Black Box Gallery is currently showcasing works by MWCS members. The exhibition features 20 pieces juried by Grace Serra from their members' online catalogue. Clearly the artists selected have command of their medium. However, considering the title of the show, several trite aqueous landscapes are disappointing. The interpretation of the medium is apparently rather loose, allowing everything from acrylic and gesso to encaustic, which renders a completely different result than strictly watercolor.
There are some notable standouts beginning with Richard Goff’s Thoroughly Entwined. The chosen application in a soft, earthy palette makes tree bark appear as a patchwork quilt. The bend of the branches replicates in the trees near the cottage, drawing the eye inward. The composition has a very Hansel and Gretel fairytale feel to it. I’m impressed with how opaque this is for gouache and ink.
Drawn in by bright yellow and tranquil blues, Tina Hotchkiss’ The End Is Near appears to be one of those pedestrian landscapes until registering the dark figure heading toward an aging, camouflaged structure. Black gesso is responsible for the weighted shadows that give this picture its ominous overtones—not to mention the title. In the foreground are slender drips and squiggles of vivid color that make the whole piece.
Tuning out my personal aversion to symmetry, Rosemary Lee’s Blue Bayou does it in a way that keeps this abstract loose while complementary organic and hard shapes contribute to its balance. Use of shadow and texture prevent this print from going flat.
Laura Whitesides Host gives the viewer plenty to look at in Spring Is Around The Corner. The eye continuously scans the piece reading shape, text, pattern and color. The painted chartreuse square and bold black stripes act as anchor while the leaves generate the energetic burst of life.
When I started painting seriously, coffeehouses were unique oases with definitive personalities. They had a bit of a beatnik vibe and were great venues to launch an art career. My first solo show was at rabble’s coffeehouse in Saint Clair Shores. The owners also hosted poetry readings and independent film screenings. It was a fave hangout. Black Box is a cleaner, contemporary version of those earlier spaces, but it’s good to see that critical avenue is still alive and kicking.
Participating Artists: Barbara Baker, Barbara Eko Murphy, Beverly Booth, Carol LaChiusa, Cynthia Yates, Denise Willing Booher, Frank Dulin, Janet Almstadt-Davison, Joanne Rummell, Laura Whitesides Host, Lori Zurvalec, Meghan Pennisi, Paula Zaks, Richard Goff, Robin Maxon, Rocco Pisto, Rosemary Lee, Tina Hotchkiss, Walda Juhl.
On view through Nov 21st at Black Box 1034 Monroe Street Dearborn
*images are mine unless otherwise noted
SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND
Harper Galleries of Art & Interiors
Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club
Thank you for a good, direct review. Glad you are here doing the work, Kim.
Thank you for direct review, Kay.