Group show features German and local artists
Gallery 66 NY presents a group show of European sensibilities with established German artists, introducing emerging local artist Donna Blais and accomplished guitarist Ron Soodalter. European Sensibility: Near and Far will be on exhibit from Jan. 4 through Jan. 27, with an opening reception on Friday evening, Jan. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 66 Main St. in Cold Spring.
The show is a broad survey of various artists creating contemporary visual art. Italy is represented through the eyes of emerging photographer Donna Blais, Spain is represented through a lyrical and musical performance by Ron Soodalter, while Germany is represented by artists currently living in Germany, curated by Carla Goldberg and brought to us here in Cold Spring.
German artists cover a variety of work from figurative to lyric abstraction. Sonja Tines and Lupe Godoy approach their work in the form of Surrealism and multilayered storytelling. Artist Hego Gövert, a former rock and blues drummer, continues his musical exploration of mood in his artwork, “riffing” on such topical subjects as the Fukushima nuclear power plant or his own series of heart attacks. His paintings feature pure and bright acid tones, or as he calls them, “screaming colors,” piercing through more murky ground. Manfred Holtkamp’s wood panels and sculptures play on the natural properties of various woods he chooses while adding artificial “grain” of paint, ash, acid or other media as a counterpoint to the nature of the wood itself.
Emerging artist Donna Blais lives in New Paltz. Although photography has been her passion for the past 30 years, she has only recently shown her work. This year she achieved first place in the open category at the Garrison Art Center’s PHOTOcentric 2012 competition, juried by Elizabeth Opalenik and gallery owner Robert Mann. Juror Deborah Willis selected one of her images as one of the Juror’s Selection in Professional Women Photographers’ competition this fall. Traveling through Italy, Donna was inspired by the relaxed lifestyle and colorful characters in Italy, so much so that she began photographing her travels throughout Italy.
Ron Soodalter of Cold Spring brings Spain to life through his guitar and the flamenco. Soodalter was a professional guitarist from the age of 13 and studied with Carlos Montoya. Soodalter will make a special appearance at Gallery 66 for this European tribute.
For more information call Gallery 66 NY at 845-809-5838 or visit gallery66ny.com.
