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INTUITIVE ABSTRACT PAINTING EXPLORED IN BEN SHAHN GALLERIES EXHIBIT "Intuitive Abstract Painting," a vibrant survey by 20 artists exploring the varied approaches to the making of intuitive abstract painting today, will be on display from October 23 through December 1 in the Ben Shahn Galleries at William Paterson University in Wayne. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held on Tuesday, October 24 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the galleries. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. "The exhibit presents the work of three generations of artists from diverse cultural and geographic roots," says Nancy Einreinhofer, director of Ben Shahn Galleries. Although the paintings on exhibit are as different from each other as their makers, Einreinhofer notes that the artists share two things in common: they all use an intuitive approach in the process of painting and the works are finally realized in abstract form. Artist Judy Lapides writes, "I always begin working from an intuitive space. The color, lines, shapes and energy are generated from my subconscious. I ultimately work toward opening a new space that will take me somewhere that I haven't been before." Deirdre Schanen, another artist, refers to the "intricate history of the process underneath the final layer of paint." And Frank Veteran asserts that his paintings "evolve through a process of layering and dividing space and compartmentalizing events. Intuition, spontaneity, and improvisation are tools. The passage of time is indicated by this process." In addition to the emphasis on process, Einreinhofer identifies "at least four other categories or instincts," including "non-hierarchical compositions, gestural painting, a keen interest in space both sacred and secular, and in nature, especially in the form of abstract landscape." Several of the artists give gesture a fresh resonance, often with reference to music and dance, and references to nature abound. Also on view in the Ben Shahn Galleries through December 1 is the University's annual "Art Department Faculty Exhibition." These exhibits were made possible, in part, by a grant from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts. For additional information, please call
the Ben Shahn Galleries at 973-720-2654. ###
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