Morris Arts 'The Color of Life' Opens at the Atrium Gallery Thursday
Published on September 27, 2021
Color and vibrancy are the hallmark of six gifted artists whose works embody the theme "The Color of Life," the Morris Arts Fall/Winter 2021-22 invitational art show.
Using oils, alcohol ink, digital media, soft sculpture, acrylics, printmaking and photographic techniques, they create imagery ranging from the abstract to the naturalistic.
Morris Arts invites the public to the free opening reception on Thursday, Sept. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Atrium Art Gallery, four floors of artwork at the Morris County Administration and Records Building at 10 Court Street, Morristown. Masks and social distancing are required for all entering the building. This display marks the first time art has been on display in the atrium since before the pandemic.
Two Morris County artists are showing at the invitational. Viewing abstraction through a soft lens is photographer Daniel Sroka, of Morristown, who creates jewel-like botanical abstracts that invite the viewer to see details of nature in extraordinary ways.
Figurative works by artist Gregory Egan, of Mendham, utilize pencil ink, watercolor and digital media to capture subjects from vintage cars to beachscapes, employing intensive colors and a delicacy of line to create an emotional connection.
Intense colors of monumental abstracts by artist Bryant Small, of Jersey City, utilize alcohol inks to capture a unique shimmering quality, dynamism and vibrancy.
Emerging artist Danielle Masters, of South Orange, inspires with her geometric – and often whimsical – abstracts which combine painting and soft sculptures. Complementing the botanical theme with a naturalistic viewpoint, photographer and printmaker Yvette Lucas, of
Montclair, showcases the poetry and wisdom of remarkable trees.
Awash in color, movement and imagination, the prolific and award-winning surrealist Santiago Cohen, of Jersey City, showcase work with rich imagery that invokes symbolism combined with a sense of wonder and sheer fun.
THE COLOR OF LIFE provides gifted artists with the opportunity to showcase their range of their talent, as well as restores a sense of renewal, resilience and beauty for viewers during these difficult times.
Most works are available for sale, with details and pricing provided in the free catalogues found in the elevator lobby areas on floors 2-5. The catalogue will be posted online at www.morrisarts.org, as well. The Atrium Art Gallery is free and open to the public during business hours, 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. The exhibit remains in place until Jan. 10, 2022.
Morris Arts is a nonprofit founded in 1973 dedicated to building community through the arts. Using the arts to inspire, connect and engage, Morris Arts serves as a resource for Morris County with a special focus on arts programming in the community and in the schools, arts advocacy, and support of the Morris Area community of artists and arts organizations.
Artwork:
Top Row: (l-r) Dan Sroka’s photo, Glass Slipper; Yvette Lucas’ photo intaglio, Mother II and Santiago Cohen’s oil, Crossroads.
Center Left: Bryant Small’s alcohol ink painting on Yupo paper, The Sound of Water.
Bottom Right: Danielle Master’s acrylic and various media, Passages.
Bottom Left: Gregory Egan’s digital painting, Blue Circle.