Join Morris Arts from 6-8pm on October 12, 2023 for a free closing reception of Color is Joyful, the twenty-sixth exhibit in the Gallery at 14 Maple which has recently been extended until Monday, October 23, 2023.
The exhibit features 27 works by five New Jersey artists chosen by guest curator, Professor Beatrice M. Mady. The art is on display in the distinctive space located on the 3rd floor of the LEED certified “green” building at 14 Maple Ave., Morristown.
Color is Joyful features works by artists Diane English (Jersey City), Andrea Epstein (Berkeley Heights), PE Pinkman (Bayonne), James Pustorino (Bayonne) and Vincent Salvati (Roselle Park).
L-R: Diane English’s Flying High; Andrea Epstein’s Hidden Figures 2; PE Pinkman’s Sapere Aude; Vincent Salvati’s Play #10; James Pustorino’s Tilted World: Absolute Imperative
Spotlighting swirling colors, abstract shapes, movement and layered imagery, this fascinating exhibit delights the viewer with its passion, energy, unfettered playfulness and the sheer buoyancy of the vibrantly colored artworks. Inspired by artist David Hockney, Curator Beatrice Mady offers insights regarding the genesis of the exhibit’s theme and the importance of color in our lives:
In this moment of grayness with political mayhem, global climate change, the tridemic and the like, I felt a need to bring some joy into the world. Art can and does do this, not merely for the artist creator, but for the viewer, often in a deeply profound way.
Color is a powerful communication tool used to influence mood or even increase metabolism. The power of color is inescapable. In this exhibition, I have brought together five artists who use color as their primary tool of expression. They are passionate. Their work exudes a sense of delight in an unabashed and free way. Their work amuses us and we cannot help but smile and feel lighter when we look at the work.”
She adds,
Color is not just something we see, but also something that we feel. It is a wavelength of light. Color has a physical effect on our bodies and psyche. Wassily Kandinsky said, “Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” These artists open the door to our mind’s eye and allow us to take a journey into a blissful state of being.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, Morris Arts is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1973, dedicated to building community through the arts. Using the arts to inspire, connect and engage, Morris Arts serves as a resource for Morris County with a special focus on arts programming in the community and in the schools, arts advocacy, and support of the Morris Area community of artists and arts organizations.
Morris Arts gratefully acknowledges support for this exhibit from The Gerald R. Dodge Foundation.
Free visitation to the gallery exhibit is by appointment only. Please schedule an appointment here. The exhibit has been extended and will remain on display until October 23, 2023. Visit www.morrisarts.org or call (973) 285-5115, x18 for additional information. The exhibit catalogue, posted online (visit https://t.ly/D5psW ) contains details and sale prices for the works. The Gallery at 14 Maple is a barrier-free facility. Individuals needing special accommodation should contact Cyndall Brice at (973) 285-5115, x 18 or cbrice@morrisarts.org.
