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Andrea Schwartz Gallery: Chiaroscuro - A Group Show Curated by Danielle Steel.

Artists: Seamus Conley, Christine Vaillancourt, Tina Vietmeier, Cara Barer, Perry Burns, Tom McKinley, others.

Review by Uba Owl: Curator and author Danielle Steel titles the show "Chiaroscuro." She explains it as follows-- "Although Chiaroscuro is an ancient term, which comes to us from the Renaissance, what it symbolizes has always intrigued me: the contrast and juxtaposition of dark and light. What better way to symbolize the heart of winter for a January show of contemporary work, both figurative and abstract. For me, it brings to mind the crispness of snow against the dark of midnight, bright lights in a city on a winter's night, the depth of winter and the promise of spring. It symbolizes life, with its dark times and unexpected brightness, which gives us hope."

The group show is mainly comprised of artists represented by the gallery. I am a fan of Seamus Conley art whose painting is included in the show. Also interesting are Cara Barer's photographs which seem to blur the line between books, sculpture, and photography. Visualy striking, they evoke feelings of movement and machine-like objects, even though they are not. Very interesting.

Comment by AB: "Chiaroscuro" refers to the contrast between dark and light, and is the unifying thread at this loosely themed group show. As you might surmise, celebrity curator Danielle Steel is ensconced among a relatively exhilarating entourage.