GEORGE LAWSON - NOMA - RAYKO

12.17.09

(with assistance from Pilar Vree and DeWitt Cheng)

George Lawson Gallery: Evergreen - Green Paintings (Group Show); Charlotte Cain - Light of India, Selected Works on Paper.

Artists in the group show: Chris Ashley, Judith Belzer, Gina Borg, Clem Crosby, Michael David, Alan Ebnother, Lynn Glaser, Nan Grand-jean, Marie Thibeault, Alan Treister, Tad Wiley , John Zurier.

Reviewed by DeWitt Cheng: Charlotte Cain studied miniature painting in India on two separate trips, and she makes small Klee-ish paintings that recall their Hindu origins but would appeal to spiritually-minded "civilians" like Agnes Martin, for example, a collector of Cain's work. Nice work nicely set off by a newly painted crimson wall.

Comment by AB: The group show in the main gallery is themed on the color green (a concept that even I can grasp). In the front gallery, Charlotte Cain translates traditional methods and motifs of Indian miniature painting into the contemporary realm.

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NOMA Gallery: Grace Rim - Flow; Christine Kesler - In a World Where You are Possible.

Comment by AB: Korean-American painter Grace Rim makes her home in New York City. She tells me her paintings and digital works are at least as much about the process or "flow" of tapping into her inner spirituality as they are about imagery-- a means whereby, if you will. In the front gallery, Christine Kesler presents an arcane multi-media abstract installation. I'm thinking the space isn't large enough to get any decent traction for complex concepts like she appears to be tackling.

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RayKo Photo Center: Liz Steketee - Reconstructed Memories; Geography - Stella Kalaw, John Mann, Anthony Marchetti.

Review by RWM: While traversing this show, viewers willÝfind themselves alone, disconcerted and perhaps even aloof. The interiors of the "Geography" show images are empty. One cannot help but notice the decay. In the side gallery, the small manipulated vintage images by Liz Steketee speak of unfulfilled dreams. They're far away in time yet intimate in and of themselves. Revelations in both shows reference the geography of the mind. It is probably worthwhile to go.

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