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October 3, 2008
Art Commentary by Marion Wolberg Weiss
"East End Abstractions" at Spanierman Gallery

Work by Josh Dayton Photo by M.W. Weiss

While curator Arlene Bujese has characterized Spanierman's current show as going in "six directons," this critic would like to suggest that is only partly true. Frankly, there appears to be a similarity in each of the artist's work, much to the credit of both the works' creators and the curator. Such a commonality has to do with primitive sources and a feeling of archetypal images. It's a subtle pattern, to be sure, but then again, all good art should be subtle. For example, Carol Hunt's large canvases sweep and flow, their movements carrying us to distant worlds, putting us in the center of great vistas of the past when life was just beginning. Josh Dayton continues his recurring structures of forms that recall ancient bones: forming, breathing, disintegrating and dying - to be reconstituted once again. His vibrant blues and oranges present a different spectrum, however, from previous works. It's a sign that life outweighs death.

In "Poja," by Darlene Charneco juxtaposes the primitive surfaces of the earth with modern technology featuring metal (nails) to make a social statement. At first, Jonathan Thomas' sculptures strictly derive from ancient Celtic stones, yet their ropes and wood also contribute a contemporary vs. archaic juxtaposition. Pieces by Fulvio Massi combine drawing material like ink and pastel with acrylic to create fascinating images of the old and new.

One such image recalls looking down into an ancient chasm to discover the mystery of the universe. Finally, there are sculptures by Hans Van De Bovenkamp whose work resembles archetypal structures like ancient portals ("Sag Portal #6") or a temple from a long time ago. De Bovenkamp's varied compositions, from vertical to horizontal shapes, give credence to his enduring forms and to his counterbalancing of vulnerability and strength.

Regardless of similar thematic considerations, each artist uses diverse materials and methods, a particularly strong aspect of the exhibit.

This article can also be viewed on the www.DansHamptons.com website.