Upstream Peoples Gallery

Juror's Statement | Return to Exhibition

This international exhibition is a showcase of artwork which represents various dimensions of what several artists deem as important, interesting and indicative of different scenarios of the human condition. Below are some observations about artists and their work.

Rakun Anton’s work portraying his son calls to mind the very valuable relationship between a father and son. Colleen Brown in “Spiced Fruit” and “Tomayta Tomato” displays a remarkable virtuosity with paint and form. Mystery of time and space exudes from the work by Jill Burke in “Ancestral Registry”. Sheila Caim gives intrigue in her photographic interplay of positive and negative with a sense of showing contrast in both strength and fragility; human and nature in “White Rose”.

Morgan Craig’s “Contemplating Babylon (Christina’s World)” is a most outstanding achievement in spatial and detail terms creating a wonderful sense of space in perspective. Mark Dethrow’s work dealing with a type of conformity in our life with popular denim is a great commentary. Nicora Gangi’s still life imaginatively captures a kind of mystery with the collection of subject matter.

“Mirror Reflection” and “Blue Figure” by Christopher Garko are rich in concept and painterly approach. Zhimin Guan’s “Michelle” also presents a depth of character with his painterly quality. Also interesting is Susan L Mathis Haskins’ work in a impressionistic manner expressing the energy of a construction site. Also important to consider is the youthful playfulness in Rob Kauzlarich’s photography.

There is a strong wonderment in Andrea Tonozzi Kemp’s “The Meeting” in terms of what the subjects might be thinking. Richard Master’s “masterful” and extraordinary ability with pencil is quite enthralling, ranking among the best of the Super Realists I have seen. Mike Mazer is one of the best watercolorists I know in his use of water views. “Keith” by Justin Miller is quite beautiful in the tonality and the confident character portrayed.

Nice to see some Mona Miri’s photo-transfers giving an intimacy with the images. Gwenlyn Norton’s large shaped canvas montages are forceful and exciting in their angular sectioning. Ronald Parisi’s photographs are some of the most original around and are quite sensitive. Vincent Parker continues his excellent control of graphite in these two very masculine subjects. Ursana Weaver’s play with still life deserves a place in this type of realism show certainly.

Kenna Westerman goes to wonderful places with her digital concepts giving credence to technology as useful tools in contemporary art. And Jeffery Young’s work shows a facility with a range of subjects that are a true mark of a professional. And how great to see brilliance and genius with the brush in the work of Davor Zilic, capturing the warmth as well as the fluidity of scenes from Croatia near the sea.

Thanks to all the artists in this showcase for helping the viewer to become conscious of the many aspects and images of our lives in today’s culture. I’m impressed by the technical skill achieved by every artist in this year’s show.

Sincerely,

Larry Bradshaw

Professor of Art