The Magic of Kanaz Forest of Creation

The Tatsuo Kawaguchi–Beyond Viewing Exhibition at the Kanaz Forest of Creation in Japan

by D. Dominick Lombardi

japan, art, Kanaz Forest
Kanaz Forest of Creation, as seen from a nearby walking path (all photos courtesy of the author, unless otherwise noted)

Kanaz Forest of Creation is an excellent example of an art institution that beautifully and elegantly bridges the gap between art and nature. A must see if you happen to be traveling through the city of Awara in Fukui Prefecture, where you will experience a ‘rebooting of the spirit’ that only the right combination of inspiring creativity and the serenity of an unspoiled forest can produce. There are works here placed in intimate clearings such as Kimio Tsuchiya’s 2005 Hidden Pyramid, a three-sided mound comprised of a variety of materials that is slowly and quietly being reclaimed by nature. Continue reading “The Magic of Kanaz Forest of Creation”

The Explorations of Francine Tint

Cavalier Galleries in New York City

by Dominque Nahas

Francine Tint
Francine Tint, Tiger, 2017, acrylic on canvas, 55” x 92” (139.7 x 233.7 cm)

Francine Tint’s solo exhibition at Cavalier Galleries aptly titled Explorations consisted of twelve acrylic-on-canvas gestural abstractions ranging in size from an intimately scaled 25”x 25” to a whopping, in-your-face 52” x 210” work. Most of the art in Explorations, with one exception, was done between 2017 and 2018 and this exhibition showcases Tint’s capabilities of poetic invocation to the hilt. Continue reading “The Explorations of Francine Tint”

Deep in the Shallows

Michael Zansky at Herron School of Art+Design, Indiana University, Indiana

by Dominque Nahas

At the Herron School of Art + Design Galleries students and faculty at Indiana University were lucky enough to become immersed and enmeshed in the exhibition Deep in the Shallows curated by the galleries’ new director Max Weintraub who has an eye for installation. This remarkable show brings together a series of 2016-17 art works on burnt paper and carved plywood and acrylic produced by the New York based artist Michael Zansky who draws and carves using both hands equally. Eleven of Zansky’s works belonging to his Saturn Series, plywood paintings measuring 16 feet by 12 feet, are showcased at Herron. Continue reading “Deep in the Shallows”

A 21st Century Symbolism: Susan Schwalb’s Metalpoint Art

Susan Schwalb, Orchid Transformation #2, 1978, silver and copperpoint on clay coated paper, 24” x 18”

by Siba Kumar Das

Susan Schwalb is at once an artist of this world and a transcendent artist. Her drawings and paintings are abstract, decidedly manifestations of the world’s geometry; they echo the belief of Latin American modernist Joaquin Torres-Garcia that geometry provides the artistic and spiritual scaffolding for all true art, in all ages and cultures. Deploying minimalism in lyrical mode, Schwalb’s art is also allusive and suggestive – a contemporary reinvention of the Symbolism of the late 19th century. It extends with great virtuosity the potential of metalpoint to evoke a numinous effect through delicacy, fineness, and a shimmering luminousness. Take an attentive look at a work of hers and you will be transported. Continue reading “A 21st Century Symbolism: Susan Schwalb’s Metalpoint Art”

Ways of Marking – Mohammed Kazem at Aicon Gallery in New York City

by Siba Kumar Das

Located on a quiet street slowly stirring into economic life after years in the doldrums, Aicon Gallery has taken on a task that surely would have pleased Andre Malraux. Novelist, art theorist, Minister of Culture under Charles de Gaulle, Malraux said half a century ago, “In our imaginary museum [that is, the world of art] the great art of Europe is but one great art among others …” Continue reading “Ways of Marking – Mohammed Kazem at Aicon Gallery in New York City”