| From July 18 – August 15, 2009, The Marengo
Collection presents Abstract Passion, an
exhibition of work by Sergio Diazvelez, Kenneth Goldman, Patty Grau,
Luz Mack-Durini, and Robert Moore. The focus is abstraction - wood
sculpture by Goldman and Grau, glass wall pieces by Mack-Durini, metal
sculpture by Moore, and acrylic and watercolor paintings on paper
by Diazvelez. A reception for the artists is scheduled for Saturday,
July 18, from 2 – 6 P.M. This exhibition deals with texture, the play of light on surfaces, shifting planes, undulating forms, subtle references, and the artists’ passion for their chosen medium. Sergio Diazvelez shows his most recent series of abstractions entitled "Relieves Magicos" (Magical reliefs), created by the application of watercolors and acrylics in a broad color palette onto an uneven, creased paper surface. In this work, Diazvelez fuses surrealist and abstract expressionist concepts. At once two and three dimensional, Diazvelez believes this approach affords limitless possibilities for creativity. His background includes art studies at the famous Academia de San Carlos and the prestigious academy Liceo de las Artes in Mexico. Kenneth Goldman has a fine art degree from Yale, but is primarily self-taught as a sculptor. He reflects on sculpting in wood - “As stiff and unyielding as wood seems to be, it is plastic while growing. I endeavor to continue that feeling through my use of that material... This results in a creative ‘dialogue’ with the wood that brings the wood back to life in designs that both are imposed by my creative vision and adapted to the inherent character of each log.” Such is the case with his piece entitled “Planetary.“ The artist comments, “The sensuous planes intertwining with the surrounding space buoy several geometric solids in a playful interaction that emphasizes movement. The geometric forms are never added on but are carved in place from the log itself.” Goldman has exhibited widely, including at the Long Beach Art Museum, Laguna Beach Museum of Art, and the High Museum in Atlanta. His work is represented in such notable collections as that of the late Joseph H. Hirshhorn, premier collector of contemporary American sculpture, and science fiction writer Harlan Ellison. Patty Grau used monkeypod wood that was destined for the fireplace. Not knowing what the heavy outer bark concealed, she stripped it away to find a fibrous pelt-like surface. “I was enthralled with the texture…I had never seen such gorgeous patterns. Twisting, turning, hard and soft, dark and light with colors ranging from purple to yellow.” The monkeypod inspired her Stripper Series, abstracted reflections on the female form, two of which – “Chocolate” and “Rosie” – are on view. Luz Mack-Durini’s inspiration comes from the contemplation of nature, reflections on being a woman, and artists such as Gustav Klimt, Piet Mondrian, and Nikki de Saint-Phalle. She’s passionate about glass, saying, “Glass by itself is an amazing material; visible light penetrates a solid body, chemistry acts and sand becomes glass, the artist acts and glass becomes expression.” She makes use of other materials, incorporating stone, precious metal leafs and clay into her glass work. Stained glass, painting, fusing, tumbling, sandblasting, metal gilding, silkscreening, and casting are amongst the techniques she uses. Robert Moore’s metal sculptures look like totems made from industrial discards. He also creates kinetic pieces inspired by the work of Alexander Calder. Some of these are actually stationary, with gentle movement created through spring action when touched. Moore has been sculpting full time for years, but it is interesting to note that in the 1970s he worked for a major Rose Parade float builder, an experience that influenced the direction his fine art would take. This exhibition is being held concurrently with NOAH’S ARK: Two by Two, on view at The Folk Tree, a related space at 217 S. Fair Oaks Avenue, about 5 blocks away. The Marengo Collection is located at 494 S. Marengo Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. It is between California Blvd. And Del Mar Ave. Hours are by appointment. Please call (626) 793-4828 or (626) 795-8733 for more information. |
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