AVA exhibits Charlie and Iantha Newton’s “A Shared Diversity.”
TUESDAYS-FRIDAYS through July 29
The work of husband and wife Charlie and Iantha Newton is featured in a new exhibit, “A Shared Diversity,” which opens Friday, July 7, at Association for Visual Arts, 30 Frazier Ave.
The exhibit may be viewed between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays through July 29.
Charlie Newton says he began constructing canvases in 2014 that “erupted the picture plane” in order to soften the rectangle and edges of the painting.
“I want to show the physicality of the painting process that blurs the edges between two- and three-dimensionality and psychological vs. literal aspects of art-making. To this end, I began draping, tying and shaping the canvas, blurring the edges between the two- and three -dimensionality of the work. This enhances the ritualistic nature of my work.”
Iantha Newton describes her paintings as “the product of a type of unconscious remembering,” adding they can range from landscapes, figures or shapes that either have the feel of a still life or are imbued with living characteristics.
“Images emerge on the canvas in a spontaneous way and without much forethought. Once a composition is perceived, no matter how fleeting or obvious, I then work to reveal or excavate the perceived images. The smaller works seek an intimate connection with the viewer as do the larger pieces for the most part,” she says.
The Newtons will be guests of honor at an opening reception on Friday, July 7, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at AVA.
The couple will participate in a gallery talk on Thursday, July 13, at 6 p.m. They will discuss the purpose of their exhibit and reflect on their careers as black artists in Chattanooga.
For more information: 423-265-4282.