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January Issue 2005
Rabold Gallery in Aiken, SC, Features Works by Al Beyer
Rabold Gallery in Aiken, SC, presents Counterpoint, an exhibition of new works by artist and academician Al Beyer of Aiken, from Jan. 20 through Feb. 12, 2005. The show opens as part of Aiken's monthly art walk, Art After Hours.
Counterpoint includes new figurative
paintings and loosely interpreted images of the artist. This exhibit
brings together and sharply contrasts two different bodies of
work that share stylistic similarities, but harbor gaping differences
in mood. The works are acrylic paintings on canvas or on canvas
applied to panel.
The bulk of the exhibit focuses on interpretations of female heads
and figures illuminated with glaring patches of colored lights
and flashy textures. Often large, they feature raw color and strong
brushwork that create an almost manic atmosphere.
"A decade ago, I did oil paintings of heads with colored lights on the subject," the artist said. "Those earlier works were done in a photorealistic manner. These new works are somewhat similar in content, but are much looser, much rougher in execution. I am using strong color and brushwork to create moods and convey energy. I also am working with textural effects that interact with the color."
The portraits of the artist are smaller with the accent often on texture as much as color. Quieter works, these pieces have a much more contemplative or introspective tone. The rough images of the artist focus more on emotion than on likeness and are more evocative than descriptive.
Beyer received a BA from Columbia University in New York and an MFA from the University of Arizona in Tucson. He is a professor of art at the University of South Carolina Aiken, where he teaches painting, drawing, and computer art classes. In 2004, Beyer participated in a three-person invitational exhibition in Orvietto, Italy. He has had more than 25 one man shows in six states. Beyer's works are in the collections of the Morris Museum of Art in Augusta, GA, the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson, MS, and the Hunter Museum of Art in Chattanooga, TN, among others.
For further
information check our SC Commercial Gallery listings, call the
gallery at 803/641-4405 or e-mail at (raboldgallery@bellsouth.net).
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