Written by Michael Goldstein for THE ARTISTS FORUM MAGAZINE
Edited by Amos White V for THE ARTISTS FORUM, INC
Photo: Michael Goldstein
REVIEWER RATING:
4 out of 5 stars
LUCINDA LUVAAS: ILLUMINATIONS
NEW YORK, NY (October 9, 2015) Open Reception, October 1, 2015 – Mixed media painter Lucinda Luvaas has made a perfect fusion between her combination of multiple techniques and the urban landscapes she chooses to reflect.
In Illuminations, her current exhibition at the Walter Wickiser Gallery, the crisp colors much like those found in comic books helps the essence of the urban lifestyle leap off the canvas and into our eyes. Aside from Luvaas’ ability to blend perfectly oil colors and stencil backgrounds with real-life photos, there always appears to be an essence of narrative within each of her paintings.
Each painting appears to focus its canvas on movement, each one being a static representation of moving figures. That aspect is best seen in her painting, Trajectory, which she freezes time in the environment of escalators and projects an energetic history thanks to the bright colors oiled into it. There is an emphasis on active engagement in the community, which is consistent with our daily lives.
Meanwhile, in her painting Heading West, Luvaas places an assorted photograph within her oil canvas and aims toward a more cinematic impulse. Once again, there is an emphasis on engaging the environment. The figures in the painting appear to be gazing on the photograph arranged in a way that it resembles a large advertising poster down the lane. Despite sticking out quite well, the photograph blends within its environment perfectly.
As the audience engages with the painting, the urban subject matter within Luvaas’ paintings appears to be engaging with itself. Each canvas preserves the gestures of daily life, silently bringing to our attention the small moments of interaction in our lives.
This exhibit is on view from October 1 – October 27, 2015.
For more information about Lucinda Luvass, visit: lucindaluvaasnewwork.com
For more information about the Walter Wickiser gallery, visit: walterwickisergallery.com
