Gregory Grenon | Delicate Moments
Rae Mahaffey | Formation
Russo Lee Gallery
April 5, 2018, through April 28, 2018
Opening reception: April 5, 2018, from 5–8 PM
Artist talk with Gregory Grenon: April 14, 2018, at 11 AM
Russo Lee Gallery hours: Tuesday Saturday from 11 AM—5:30 PM
EXHIBITION & ARTIST INFORMATION
Gregory Grenon returns to the gallery with Delicate Moments, his newest interpretations of the face and the figure painted on the reverse of glass. Throughout Grenon’s career, he has focused his attention on the “Face of Woman.” This journey has led to full figures and occasionally other subject matter. Grenon works as a colorist exploring the dynamic and expressive qualities of the people he paints and celebrating the strength of his bold subjects. He often paints on found glass such as window frames, old clocks or pocket watches, lending an “Old Portland” and vintage vibe to his work.
In Rae Mahaffey’s latest exhibition, Formation, Mahaffey paints patterns built slowly over time, embracing both the organic and geometric. Seeing her work as a reaction to the fast-paced digital world, the artist avoids a specific narrative, leading the viewer to an experience as opposed to a quick read. Mahaffey ventures into more nature-based forms in this exhibition, inspired by time spent at Joshua Tree National Park in California. Paintings such as Formation give not only a name for the show but a directive: hard-edged shapes hold layers of drips and patterns suggestive of rocks and geology. Other works, exploring a new direction in Mahaffey’s work for the gallery, feature images that are more explicitly landscape driven. Throughout this work, Mahaffey employs her usual harmonious and adventurous color palette.
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