On March 9, Morris Arts welcomed the public to the opening reception of Color is Joyful, its twenty-sixth exhibit in the Gallery at 14 Maple. Guest Curator, Professor Beatrice M. Mady, selected 27 works created by five New Jersey artists for display in this distinctive space located on the 3rd floor of the LEED certified “green” building at 14 Maple Ave., Morristown.
The exhibit features works by artists Diane English (Jersey City), Andrea Epstein (Berkeley Heights), PE Pinkman (Bayonne), James Pustorino (Bayonne) and Vincent Salvati (Roselle Park).
- Diane English’s Flying High
- Andrea Epstein’s Hidden Figures 2
- PE Pinkman’s Sapere Aude
- Vincent Salvati’s Play #10
- James Pustorino’s Tilted World: A Sentence Without End Is Pointless
Spotlighting swirling colors, abstract shapes, movement and layered imagery, this fascinating exhibit delights the viewer with its passion, energy, unfettered playfulness and the sheer buoyancy of the vibrantly colored artworks.
Inspired by artist David Hockney, Curator Beatrice Mady offers insights regarding the genesis of the exhibit’s theme and the importance of color in our lives:
In this moment of grayness with political mayhem, global climate change, the tridemic and the like, I felt a need to bring some joy into the world. Art can and does do this, not merely for the artist creator, but for the viewer, often in a deeply profound way.
Color is a powerful communication tool used to influence mood or even increase metabolism. The power of color is inescapable. In this exhibition, I have brought together five artists who use color as their primary tool of expression. They are passionate. Their work exudes a sense of delight in an unabashed and free way. Their work amuses us and we cannot help but smile and feel lighter when we look at the work.”
She adds,
Color is not just something we see, but also something that we feel. It is a wavelength of light. Color has a physical effect on our bodies and psyche. Wassily Kandinsky said, “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” These artists open the door to our mind’s eye and allow us to take a journey into a blissful state of being.
Photos from the opening reception:
- Artists Diane English, PE Pinkman
- Vincent Salvati next to his work, Play#04
- Andrea Epstein, Dr. Butera, Prof. Mady, Dr. Siebert, Vincent Salvati, Diane English
- Artists Andrea Epstein, James Pustorino, Vincent Salvati
- Curator Beatrice Mady with James Pustorino in front of his work, Tilted World: a Sentence Without End is Pointless
- Guests enjoying the show
- Enjoying the art
Morris Arts gratefully acknowledges support for this exhibit from
.
Free visitation to the gallery exhibit is by appointment only. Please schedule an appointment here. The exhibit will remain on display until August 14, 2023. Visit www.morrisarts.org or call (973) 285-5115, x12 for additional information. The exhibit catalogue, posted online, contains details and sale prices for the works. The Gallery at 14 Maple is a barrier-free facility. Individuals needing special accommodation should contact Jenna Castano at (973) 285-5115, x 12 or jcastano@morrisarts.org.