Contemporary Abstracts: Investigating Spontaneity & Meticulousness

Welcome to “Contemporary Abstracts,” a captivating exhibition that delves into the diverse approaches taken by nine distinguished artists in the realm of abstract art. Through a mesmerizing collection of artworks by Thomas Anfield, Dana Dion, Donald Jarvis, Rita Letendre, Toni Onley, Matt Petley-Jones, Marie-Doris Valois, Ann Vandervelde, and Lan Zhenghui, this exhibition invites viewers to explore the intricate balance between spontaneity and meticulous planning in the creation of abstract art.

In “Contemporary Abstracts,” the process of artistic creation takes center stage. Here, visitors witness how abstraction unfolds through two distinct avenues: the intuitive exploration of color, form, and texture, and the deliberate precision of planned compositions.

Artists, such as Toni Onley and Ann Vandervelde, embark on a journey of discovery, allowing their paintings to emerge organically as they manipulate pigments on canvas, unveiling hidden depths and unexpected harmonies. In the words of biographer Roger Boulet, Toni Onley “…will try to get something of the quality, of the mood of the landscape, but the process now takes over…The painter does not seek to imitate nature in a literal sense, he reacts to it, in a spirit of harmony with it…This response to nature translates itself as a natural moving brush, in harmony with the spirit of the painter as he is affected by the landscape.” (Roger H. Boulet, Toni Onley: A Silent Thunder, 1981, pp. 28-29) 

Other artworks, like Thomas Anfield’s acrylic paintings and Rita Letendre’s serigraphs, approach abstraction with careful calculation, meticulously crafting each element of their compositions to achieve a specific visual impact.

Through a diverse array of techniques and styles, “Contemporary Abstracts” celebrates the boundless creativity and endless possibilities inherent in abstract art. From the abstracted mountainscapes of Marie-Doris Valois to the vibrant hard-edge abstractions of Letendre, each artist offers a unique perspective on the essence of form, color, and expression.

Whether you are drawn to the spontaneous energy of intuitive creation or the refined elegance of deliberate design, “Contemporary Abstracts” promises to inspire, intrigue, and captivate audiences with its rich tapestry of visual experiences.