“In Conversation” Exhibition

Kathryn Markel Fine Arts

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A groups exhibition curated by Katie DeGroot

Kathryn Markel Fine Arts presents a group exhibition curated by Katie DeGroot, featuring work by her inspirational friends; Joan Nelson, Barbara Takenaga, Amy Talluto, Nancy Shaver & Martin Weinstein.

On the wall in artist Katie DeGroot’s upstate studio hangs a piece of paper listing several artists who have influenced her work. “They’re people I think about often,” she says. “I’ve both admired their contributions and drawn inspiration from them. This show allows me to share some of their incredible creativity with the public.”

DeGroot was originally approached to do a solo show at Kathryn Markel Fine Arts in NYC. But as the artist began mentally assembling her works, she came to realize that she wanted to share the show with those who had influenced her. And so, the main room will house DeGroot’s works in a solo exhibit called Boscage. And the back gallery will feature pieces by Joan Nelson, Nancy Shaver, Barbara Takenaga, Amy Talutto and Martin Weinstein In Conversation with DeGroot’s paintings.

“Each of these artists has made a difference to me,” she says. “Nancy Shaver has a wonderful way of working with different materials and a quirky irreverence. I find it intriguing. I think she’s been really influential on younger artists.”

“I was introduced to the work of Joan Nelson almost 30 years ago and have been following her ever since. Her memory and the complexity of reality are embraced in her own private world. And I’m totally inspired by the gorgeous surfaces and labor intensive patterns in the work of Barbara Takenaga.”

Paintings on multiple layers of Plexiglas form the landscape works by Martin Weinstein. “People tend to dismiss landscapes,” she explains. “But Weinstein’s work is much more abstract. His technique creates a kind of floating depth. I call it seeing a memory.”

And, finally, the technical skill of Amy Talutto is reflected in her pencil drawings of trees – pink trees. “I can totally relate to that,” the artist says. “She allows herself to paint what she sees in her head – not just what’s in front of her. Her work is fun.”

Together, the two galleries suggest how seemingly disparate works can be united. “We all use an image as a starting point,” DeGroot summarizes. “Each of us is making art in our own specific way. From diverse points of view to closer connections, this show lets viewers seek out the influences that have meant so much to me.”