Gallery Photographers Image City Feature Articles
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Jubilation 1
It is important to realize that in abstract art, like some graffiti,
form and other qualities may not be recognizable or understood, so it is
salient to ask, what is it that the viewer sees and experiences, both
visually and emotionally. Betsy has a remarkable artistic vision for
both formal and non-formal design, wonderfully illustrated in
Jubilation 1, in which she has creatively captured and interpreted
a significant part of a much larger canvas. In doing this, the viewer’s
attention is immediately directed to the central area, where there is an
irregular separation of material that has been painted a vibrant pink
shade, together with a diagonal white swathe of paint. Although
subordinate, but of important interest to this mauve-colored area, one
is very aware of striking vertical strands of green paint, which hang
down like fingers, the bright green acting wonderfully as a
complementary hue to the pink areas. Included in the overall image, the
artist or artists have randomly added both diagonal and curved segments
of white paint that have their own textured details. What I see is that
the principal graffiti artwork was painted on perhaps a cardboard
substrate, which besides the dramatic color palette, has interesting
textured features reminiscent of such material. This is supported by the
fact that the jagged tears reveal lovely colored edges one would find in
such a product. Tearing open a part of the base layer reveals an almost
3-dimensional view of what was possibly another graffiti painting that
had been hidden by this spectacular overlay. It is reasonable to assume
that the substance used to support the artwork was vulnerable to the
elements, and a combination of wind and rain could have easily created a
tear in the support structure. What I would like to imagine, is that the
central white shaft of paint that slopes to the right is the real
malefactor. It is very reminiscent of a knife, the handle being defined
by the large glob of dripped paint. It is this fairly blunt knife that
is depicted as being responsible for the jagged tear. Betsy has
exquisitely captured a dramatic image, full of spectacular colors and
textures and even some intrigue, a great credit to her aesthetic,
exciting and creative talents. Peter A. Marr
Urban Graphic II This dynamic print is from a series of 6
powerful studies that clearly illustrate the author’s exceptional
visionary skills, creating memorable art from scenes that the majority
of people would pass by without a second glance. This image has a
sublime simplicity with no ambiguity, as the photograph directs the
viewer’s attention to all of the important elements. The eye responds
immediately to the highest color contrast, to the red, yellow and
silver-white against the black background, resulting in maximum impact
in the scene. It is very evident that we are looking at the terminus of
a loading dock, where the yellow painted driver viewing strips have seen
evidence of vehicle contact. Immediately above the dock, one witnesses
the imposing side of a large warehouse that is painted black. The
various linear textures indicate sturdy concrete structures and a very
large industrial-powered doorway to the far right. The highlight of this
black structure is a closed, brightly painted red door, its dramatic
edifice being supplemented by a metal door handle and lock, and 3 barely
visible hinges. The last authoritative element in this image is a large
metal pipe that is firmly affixed to the central wall structure. What is
compelling, is that this pipe has 3 short exit tubes attached to it, all
of which are capped securely. The entire image imposingly creates an
uplifting graphic design, where the yellow diagonal lines impressively
direct the viewer to immediately look at the features on the side of the
warehouse. Beyond the inspiring visual impact, the strong graphic
design, and the imposing display of different textures that are plainly
visible across the black expanse, there is the unanswered question of
what really transpires at this warehouse dock. It simply could be a
loading station for a liquid or material product that can be delivered
to three separate trucks at once. Is it possible that there is a more
sinister reason for the whole set-up? The warehouse is painted black.
The majestic red door exudes danger, and it is firmly locked. The
fearsome looking silver-white pipe ends in 3 mysterious outlets and it
comes from an unknown source, high above. Is it possible that this tube
contains some ocular device, that with the eye pieces removed remotely,
can easily survey both the trucks, and who comes and goes through the
red door? Pure fantasy one
would say, but a fitting piece of intrigue to complement this awesome
image.
Peter A. Marr
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Image City Photography Gallery ♦ 722 University Avenue ♦ Rochester, NY 14607 ♦ 585.271.2540 In the heart of ARTWalk in the Neighborhood of the Arts |