The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
‘State of Abstraction’ Fringe makes exhibit to open another comeback
WASHINGTON — The Washington Art Association & Gallery presents “State of Abstraction,” an exhibition of contemporary abstract art by Connecticut artists that will be on display May 5-June 16.
Co-curated by WAA Exhibitions Committee members Daphne Anderson Deeds and Jacquelyn Gleisner, the selected works will be displayed in both the Washington Art Association & Gallery and the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens exhibition spaces. The opening reception will take place on Saturday, May 5, from 4-6 p.m. in both locations.
Painting, installation, video, sculpture and prints are included in the exhibition featuring more than 20 artists covering all of Connecticut. Many of the works update common tropes of abstraction across these different media. Zachary Keeting, of New Haven, composes layers of paint to convey colorful lyric abstraction, while works by Elizabeth Gourlay and Ryan Paxton are contemplative, and Kevin Daly’s paintings are based on geometry.
Other artists included in the show experiment with new tools, unusual media or inventive processes. In her studio outside Hartford, Hong Hong makes large-scale paper works using a range of different pulped materials. David Livingston combines 3D modeling programs with his small, spontaneous gouache paintings using video. A familiar craft material is the building block for New Haven artist Suzan Shutan’s interactive pom-pom installation. Kinetic sculptor Tim Prentice of Cornwall offers wall-mounted works, Weston artist Joseph Fucigna’s sculpture is made of plastic coated fencing, while Hamden installation artist Howard El-Yasin uses materials that are usually discarded like dryer lint and roasted banana peels. The more than sixty works that comprise “State of Abstraction” give viewers a thorough overview of abstract art by artists working in Connecticut today.
“State of Abstraction” brings an ambitious and vibrant exhibition to Washington Depot’s historic art center. Founded in 1952, the Washington Art Association & Gallery is dedicated to enriching our community through education, exhibitions, and special events.
The public is invited to the opening reception of “State of Abstraction” on Saturday, May 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the gallery at 4 Bryan Memorial Plaza in Washington Depot. For information, call 860-8682878, email washingtonart@snet.net or visit www.washingtonartassociation.org
Gallery hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10.am.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It is closed on Mondays.
For the Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens, at 1 Green Hill Road in Washington Depot, hours are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment by calling 860-868-2878.
Fringe has been a fashion statement since the 1920s with its iconic swingy beaded fringes that embellished glamorous clothing and accessories.
Since that time, fringe makes a comeback in some fashion nearly every decade. We will neither forget the Age of Aquarius generation of the ’60s and ’70s, with both its folksy leather fringed ponchos, leather vests, jackets, boots and bags to its turned out rock and roll versions. We have all been captivated by Tina Turner and Cher. I will always remember the character of Judas in “Jesus Christ Superstar” returning in his white fringed costume.
Although fringe will always be a statement making embellishment, fringe seems to be a bit tamer. It’s pretty safe to say that less is better these days.
Fringe as always had its place on knits and crocheted pieces, from afghans to garments. Scarves and shawls can easily be spiced up with a bit of knotted on fringe. The longer and more lush the fringe the better I like it; short stubby fringe looks has always struck me as looking like a cheap afterthought.
This winter I had the pleasure of knitting a very special triangular shaped shawl. The best part was that it created its own fringe after it was completed. The shawl was knit sideways, corner to corner. After the last row was completed, you simply let the last four stitches drop down the entire outer side of the shawl. Not only does it create a fringe all the way, but it is a looped fringe. You could cut the loops, but I like the look of the loops far better. If you use a single spun yarn, like I have you will be rewarded with an extra special twisted looped fringe. The thick and thin multi colored yarn worked beautifully in this design, and I found that I actually prefer the way the wrong side looks with its extra textured stitches.
On Sunday, May 6, from noon to 12:30 p.m., there will be a free self-fringing demo in the shop with shawl kit purchase. Please call 860-482-3979 to register.