- Discovering cultural identity in non-representational form
In the early 20th century abstraction marked a dramatic break from traditional or
representational painting. Rejecting our known material world, abstraction presented a
radically new aesthetic frontier. Unbound by form, it immerses us in purely emotional and
spiritual sensations. Viewing abstract art is akin to observing nature, like starring out
into the ocean. Whether an experience that is bewildering, enthralling, relaxing, or
meditative, contemplation is demanded of the viewer. This exhibition features recent works
by three Bay Area painters of diverse backgrounds.
Santiago Gervasi works in a classic modernist tradition, but with non-traditional
intentions. Influenced by the architecture of his home city Lima, Peru, his works
incorporate details such as windows and portals that take you behind the paintings and
into another realm.
Raymond Haywood's compositions reflect his urban upbringing- a densely layered
juxtaposition of diverse images, including saw blades, cartoon figures, numbers and
letters. Through this symphony of colors and two-dimensional figures he attempts to
capture a moment in time that is both ethereal and persistent.
Byron Spicer's densely layered stack paintings are an ode to our present day media rich,
channel surfing, web-browsing culture. Overwhelming at first we gradually process the
information and discern relationships between the various images.
While in some respects all three artists employ established abstraction principles, such
as an appeal to emotions and senses instead of cognitive forms, they are also a product of
our times. The places these artists grew up in and the artistic processes
they devise reflect our present society.
- Exhibition
sponsored by and exhibited at Genentech, Inc.
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Amit May Fine Arts