Art show welds new, old, bold, neutral in works

“Corrosive Nuances” is the intriguing title of a show by an artist who uses aspects of welding he learned growing up in his art.

The solo show by Cory Cart is on view through June 30 at Paseo Art Space, home of the Paseo Arts Association, 3022 Paseo.

The New Orleans artist said his works juxtapose and contrast “new versus old, bold colors versus neutrals, and sleek versus gritty textures.”

Noting he welded with his dad in Oklahoma, Cart said he didn’t have a studio to accommodate welding, but wanted to incorporate iron into his paintings.

Cart cited New Orleans, the Gulf Coast and the American West as inspiring the “bright, electric shades” in his layered metal and paint works on wood panel.

Rich, random, rusted and painted areas interact well in his “Pretty Corroded in Pink,” as do metallic and turquoise areas in “Weathered Caribbean.”

Reddish rusted areas suggest islands or land masses, spaced out in blue-white and yellow, in a small diptych consisting of two 12-inch square boards.

Touches of pale pink and green accent the rusted surface of “Island Sunset,” while deep purple patches suggest “Royal Corrosion,” if not a wedding or coronation.

One work, which has “4020 Diesel” in yellow on the rich green and rusted background, was inspired by a tractor of his grandfather he used to drive.

Most forceful of all, perhaps, are the “Fully Corroded” surface and sides of Cart’s 18-by-18-inch work of that title.

Cart said he took the beautiful sunsets, sunrises, horses and cattle he saw “as a kid” in Oklahoma, for granted, but now finds his “thirst for color” intensified.

His show is recommended in the rest of its run.