From 'text messages' to real ones
"Yes'' (hand-punched, found paint chips and mixed media) by Peter Combe, in the group show "Text Messages,'' at Lanoue Gallery, Boston, through Oct. 14. The gallery says:
"Text-based artwork requires engaged, not passive, viewers who bring a sense of curiosity and personal experience to the interpretation of each work. Like the now pervasive use of sending short bursts of words to one another through mobile devices, the artworks in 'Text Messages' primarily rely on visually 'bite-size' but carefully chosen words to both efficiently and impactfully communicate ideas, thoughts, or emotions to its receiver. Each work assumes a kind of communication shorthand with the viewer based on a perceived common experience shared through our hyper-connected lives on a variety of social media platforms. A gallery art exhibition of these physical objects, however, allows the sharing of these 'text messages' to happen among its viewers in a shared physical space, potentially sparking real-time, face-to-face conversations.
A Syrian artist's 'Homeland inSecurity'
This was just sent to us by Boston's Lanoue Gallery, which, in collaboration with the office of Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton and Harvard University’s Middle East Initiative, is presenting an exhibition called ""Homeland inSecurity,'' featuring sculpture and installation works by Mohamad Hafez.
Mr. Hafez, who was born in Syria and is a permanent resident of the United States, is an architect and artist currently residing with his family in New Haven. Lanoue says that the artwork featured in "Homeland inSecurity'' came out of Mr. Hafez’s "pained response'' to seeing media coverage of his homeland, which has been devastatedby a war that has turned more than 11 million Syrians into refugees.
The exhibition showcases 20 works by Mr. Hafez, some of which feature lighting and sounds recorded in Syria giving viewers a multi-sensory experience. It will be the largest exhibit of his work to date. He says of the exhibition opportunity, “My art is a voice for the Syrian refugees, for Muslim Americans, for forced migrants. I understand the fear of the unknown.''
Better than a homeopathic physician
"The Magician's Assistant'' (photographic combine -- archival pigment print face-mounted), by Marybeth Rothman, at Lanoue Fine Art, Boston, in the current Sowa Winter Festival.
SOWA is the burgeoning arts district of Boston south of Washington Street.
And good for you
"Blue Bliss'' (mixed media and resin on panel), by Eric Zener, at Lanoue Fine Art, Boston
Safer up here
"Humming II'' (mixed media and resin on panel), by SUSAN GOLDSMITH, at Lanoue Fine Art, Boston.
"Humming II'' (mixed media and resin on panel), by SUSAN GOLDSMITH, at Lanoue Fine Art, Boston.
Return engagement
"Returning'' (resin and mixed media on panel), by ERIC ZENER, at Lanoue Fine Art, Boston.
We went swimming off Stamford and Greenwich, Conn., the other day. The water's ability to hold summer warmth is remarkable.
Colors of our chaotic world
"Between Storms'' (mixed media on acrylic), by CARRIE McGEE, in her show at Lanoue Gallery, Boston.
Preparing for a protest movement
"On the Edge'' (collage, wax and resin on panel), by JANE MAXWELL, at Lanoue Fine Art, Boston.