Elder Gallery
presents

A World of Abstraction

The world is filled with abstract qualities which are overlooked by most people. During the month of August Elder Gallery in Charlotte will present an exhibition which explores the nature of abstract paintings as created by noted abstract painters from different regions of the nation.

Featured in the exhibit will be Javier Lopez Barbosa from Santa Fe; Frank Patt of San Francisco; Werner Haker from Brevard; John Palmer of Houston; and New York artists Carl Plansky, Jimmie James and Ralph Turturro.

Rather than trying to follow in the steps of any particular school of art, Javier Barbosa has always followed his internal direction and instincts. Today, his works are well known for their beautiful patina and strong emotional content.

Frank Patt considers his paintings to be oversized postcards. “They are quiescent records and mementos of some of my personal wanderings, histories, stories, and memories. These painted diaries are intended to take viewers on their own tranquil journeys” says Patt.

North Carolina artist, Werner Haker, says “I paint to challenge and provoke, to excite the emotions and engage the intellect, to create images of tension between the rationale and irrational. My paintings deal with issues of the human condition, with an overriding theme of desire and despair which ultimately, I believe, are the same. Desire for things we crave and despair because we are denied.”

John Palmer describes his work in more emotional than technical terms. He sees his art as free form, full of energy, life and movement. He sees it as Escapism, which is the title of a book about his work. He paints with many vibrant hues, always experimenting with bold colors. He continues to grow, realizing that his paintings are ever changing and always evolving, just as he is.

Carl Plansky’s paintings have been described as abstract expressionism since his work borders on abstraction and are created through a series of choreographed gestures and whirlwind compositions. Plansky studied at the Maryland Institute College of Art and the New York Studio School. He has served as Professor of drawing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Visiting Artist at the Art Institute of Chicago and Visiting Teacher, Lecturer and Critic at Harvard University and Smith College. He has served as Visiting Teacher and Lecturer at numerous colleges and Universities.

While studying architecture at Pratt Institute and working full time as a draftsman in the old tradition, Jimmie James began combining painting with drawing. What emerged was a form of abstract expressionism combined with elements of naïve art. His paintings can currently be seen on NBC television’s prime-time drama “Kidnapped.” James’ artistic talent extends to songwriting and music performance.

New York artist, Ralph Turturro, has been painting for over twenty-five years and was greatly influenced by George McNeil, a New York School painter. “Through my work I am learning that the essence of anything, any action of us as a species, is to see, to experience, to learn. If one is to make “art” real, one must learn to be in the moment of each experience, whether physical, mental, emotional or otherworldly” say Turturro.

Opening Reception will be on Friday, August 3, 2007, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Artist Werner Haker will present an informal gallery talk beginning at 11 a.m. to discuss his latest work in the exhibition. Reservations can be made by calling the gallery.

The exhibition runs through September 1, 2007

Scroll down to view partial list of painting in exhibition.