OK, that’s quite a come-on headline isn’t it? But “The Pornography of Color” is the name of the exhibition of paintings by Ray Wittenberg opening today at Argenta Gallery. The gallery will be open from 5-8 p.m. tonight (Oct. 17) for Argenta ArtWalk. (You can blame the earlier date mistake on my migraine medication.) Here’s Wittenberg on the title:
“I like to make paintings I like to look at. This show with its funny title, “The Pornography of Color,” is as much about how much color turns me on as it is about telling any stories or making any points. I could have just as easily called it the “Seduction Of Color.” Pornography can be defined as the depiction of the erotic intended to cause sexual excitement. I think the definition fits this show.
“Monochrome painting, Hard-edge painting, Post-painterly abstraction, Color Field, Minimalism….. you pick! For me it’s all about shape, form and color. For contrast and a sense of progression we’re including some past efforts. A busier time with the brush. But now we find ourselves in front of quiet paintings that exist for the sake of superfluous beauty alone. Enjoy!”
Gallery hours for the exhibit are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tue.-Thu. and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fri-Sat. The show will be up through Nov. 1.
The exhibit at Mugs Cafe, “Energy and Elegance,” features paintings by Steven Rockwell, Kelly Furr and Karlyn Holloway. Rockwell’s work “hugs the realist edge,” Furr’s evoke “a sense of otherworldliness” and Holloway’s floral compositions are blended with “contemporary elegant design,” according to the Mugs release. The reception is 5-8 p.m. for Argenta ArtWalk. “Energy and Elegance” runs through Nov. 18.
Argenta ArtWalk venues can be found on and off Main Street, including at Greg Thompson Fine Art, the Thea Foundation, Art Connection and more.