Jo-Ann Acey “Urban Stories: a changing landscape”

440 Gallery

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440 Gallery presents Jo-Ann Acey’s newest work. Acey is known for bringing exuberant energy to an artful blend of the real and the imagined. For this exhibition her focus is on the urban landscape and she does not disappoint. The city’s spirit is clearly her muse: we see architectural elements and powerful shapes interact with color, line and just enough grit to feel the city’s pulse in each piece. Jo-Ann says, “Urban is a collection of drawings and paintings that document my reaction to the changing landscape, in particular, the urban landscape. All things are in a constant state of change. Time, light, movement and growth can affect our view and response. Sunrise and sunset, the seasonal cycle, the monochromatic palette of glass, steel and concrete can change from minute to minute. Rain, snow, and wind all contribute to our vision and response. Movement and change continuously feed my creative process, intellectually and emotionally.”

Indeed, it is a pleasure to experience Acey’s unique blend of control and spontaneity in pieces like Urban, No 1. The viewer feels as if they might be strolling down a busy street, and with a turn of the head everything might change. Yet, upon more careful study, one finds the satisfying control underlying the artful construction of the composition, allowing for sustained viewing.

This is Jo-Ann Acey’s third solo show at 440 Gallery. Acey received an MFA in Painting and Drawing from Texas Tech University. Her work has been included in shows in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Texas, New Mexico and is in private collections throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. She lives and works in Brooklyn. Her studio is located in the Gowanus Art Community.