Ben Georgia “Recent Paintings”
Andre Zarre
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Ben Georgia’s art has evolved from his studies of Abstract Expressionism with Theodore Stamos to a more idiosyncratic use of abstract form, color & light. His reputation is as a rich, subtle, painterly colorist who paints directly from his emotions as he reacts with Life’s experiences, his memories and his knowledge of the history of art but always with integrity and great feeling for life. A professional artist with an independent spirit, he has a 3,000 sq.ft. studio in West Orange, NJ, a winter studio in Florida and a cool summer spot in Eastport, Maine.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Painting is for me the capturing of the experience of being alive. In terms of the art itself, I believe that it should reflect a personal emotion as well as a formal approach to the medium. By that I mean a technical awareness grounded in an aesthetic point of view.
Having studied with the Abstract Expressionist painter, Theodore Stamos, my paintings tend to be both intuitive yet controlled in the use of color. I attempt to create harmony of color and form through a geometric interpretation of abstraction.
I paint because I love the way color forms on the canvas in the act of painting. I try to create interesting passages of color with an awareness of space. I see the surface plane as a vast expanse of deep space which becomes the challenge for me to create form which moves between the picture plane and that deep space. I admire Rothko’s sense of deep space which almost creates a spiritual transcendence. I also feel that music plays a role in the painting in its formal construction as an inspiration.
My palette is very diverse in color and I find it stimulating to create many varied colored patterns for my paintings. Having studied Joseph Albers’ approach to color, I find it interesting to note the effects of color interaction.
I also like to combine energy with playfulness in the paintings which combines my admiration of the sculptor, Joseph Calder and the painters, Joan Miro, Hans Hoffman and Piet Mondrian. I draw on many sources and influences of the past to realize my paintings.
I also feel that through geometric form I am able to express many different moods and feelings. I grew up in the dense, urban environment of Jersey City and its bricks, windows, doorways, alleyways, rooftops and industrial buildings reflect a geometric world which gets transmuted into my art.
To sum up: I feel that painting is a sensual act which combines memory, art awareness and emotional response and commitment to the moment and life.
-Ben Georgia-
[Image: Ben Georgia, Reds Metamorphosis, 48 x 48, 2011]
Media
Schedule
from February 04, 2014 to March 08, 2014