Matthew Breneau at PCCA - April 23rd

 

 

Matthew Breneau

Paintings and Constructions

April 23 – June 12, 2010

Opening Reception Friday, April 23, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

 

 

Paint Creek Center for the Arts is proud to present a one man show of recent works by Matthew Breneau. Matthew is a lifetime resident of Detroit who has been painting since 1982. Matthew earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts from Wayne State University. He has exhibited his work all over the Detroit area. His work is influenced by the landscape, but is non-representational.

 

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 23^rd, 6:00 – 9:00 pm. This reception is part of the Downtown Rochester Spring Gallery Stroll.

 

 

The mission of Paint Creek Center for the Arts is to enhance life in the region by promoting, encouraging and creating opportunities to participate in and appreciate the arts. Paint Creek Center for the Arts is open Monday through Thursday, 9:00am to 9:00pm, Friday 9:00am – 7:00pm, and Saturday, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Exhibits are free and open to the public. We are located at 407 Pine Street in downtown Rochester at the intersection of Pine and Fourth Streets. For information on exhibits, classes, the Art & Apples Festival, special events or volunteer opportunities, call 248-651-4110 or visit www.pccart.org.