Paintings and Constructions
April 23 – June 12, 2010
Opening Reception Friday, April 23, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
The works for this show reside somewhere between sculpture/construction and non-representational painting. The artist builds filigree constructions from small pieces of wood. Once he has achieved a satisfying composition, the work of painting begins. These are not merely wooden objects covered with paint in order to decorate the surface. Breneau uses techniques such as glazing, in which oil paint is applied in thin, transparent layers. This painstaking method requires time and patience, but results in rich, luminous color that cannot be achieved in any other way. The layers of paint run over the edges of the wood fragments, emphasizing some edges, softening others. The completed works have the physical presence of sculpture combined with delicious, painterly surfaces. Their intricate patterns bring to mind bare branches or maps or a bird's eye view of interconnected city streets. The lacy designs appear fragile, but are solidly built. There is something here to satisfy everyone from the lover of craftsmanship to the rigorous formalist.
Please join us in welcoming Matthew Breneau at an opening reception on Friday, April 23rd, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. This reception is part of the Downtown Rochester Spring Gallery Stroll.
The mission of
