Abstract art encompasses endless opportunities and inspires the imagination of viewers. The practice of this art form manifests itself within a spectrum of representational abstraction and non-objectivity. Tangible objects are visually broken down to their essential shapes in representational abstraction. Design aesthetics, compositions and sometimes pure emotion become subject in non-objective, or non-representational abstraction. In celebration of this pervasive art form, Kaviar Gallery is hosting a juried exhibition, “Abstract in Kentucky” highlighting various forms of abstract art. We believe in supporting local visual art and fostering a vibrant arts community. This show features 24 artists living and working throughout the state of Kentucky.

A surreal scene rendered in an enchanting color palette is rooted in landscape in Betty Beshoar’s representationally abstract oil painting, “Yearning of Mystery.” This beautifully rendered work features subtle hints to trees and a horizon enhanced with expressive color and painterly strokes. A nod to Picasso is evident in Hailey Robinson’s Cubistic acrylic painting, “Flower Girl.” Hard-edge shapes, color, and line dance about the composition in Lucretia Beatty’s joyful oil painting, “Game Plan.” Graceful forms undulate in Jamie Green’s wood sculptures, “Untitled” and “Drama Queen.”

A variety of diverse media are present in this exhibition, including: acrylic, oil, watercolor, drawing, encaustic, metalwork, printmaking, fiber, wood, stone, photography, mixed media, and digital art. Abstraction is captured amid the beauty of shadows in Ku Hone’s black and white photograph, “Lines in Decay.” Hand dyed and hand painted felted wool provides a delightful visual and tactile quality in Sylvia Brestel’s fiber wall hanging, “Sky and Water.” John Begley explores painterly abstraction through a digital means in his work, “Abstraction, Figuration, and Appropriation.” Begley states, “Abstraction seems to be making a comeback. All kinds, hard edge, color field, action painting, op, expressionism. The starting points seem to begin everywhere. It’s also unapologetic, backward looking, re-historical, a scrutinizing of past styles in light of new contexts.”

Kaviar Gallery currently represents over one hundred artists, some of whom will provide new work for the exhibition. Located off Frankfort Avenue, the gallery is filled with many fine artworks, crafts, jewelry, fiber works and furniture. Abstract in Kentucky opens January 26 and will run through February 24, 2018. We invite you to join us for an Opening Reception Friday, January 26 from 6:00 – 8:00PM during the Frankfort Avenue Trolley Hop!

- Kayla Bischoff, Gallery Manager

WHAT: “Abstract in Kentucky”
WHERE: Kaviar Forge & Gallery
WHEN: Opening Reception, January 26, 6:00-8:00PM
Gallery Hours: Thursday & Friday 12-6, Saturday 12-4
(For a complete list of the artists, visit craigkaviargallery.com)