A Sense of Place

Wendell Arneson

April 25 - June 6, 2015

A Sense of Place

Opening Reception: Saturday, April 25, 2-5 p.m.

Known for his expressionist oil paintings, Wendell Arneson continues to explore themes of iconography and spirituality. Included in this exhibition will be large, exuberant canvases as well as a series of small, intense oil on paper paintings. Arneson’s bold, primary color palette and expressive brushwork combine to invigorate the paintings. Provocative figures, mysterious symbols and Cubist-like compositions draw viewers in, heightening their sense of inquiry.

Of his paintings, Arneson has written:

I am interested in work that resides in both objective and non-objective worlds. I am equally attracted to the gesture and the non-descriptive mark as well as the power and ambiguity of symbol and image. These paintings use image and symbol to convey the internal. Beginning with ideas derived from memory and/or observation, they explore questions raised through formal investigation and contemplation of the spiritual. I am an image-maker and interested in the juxtaposition of images that, for me, evoke time, place, memory, fragility, strength, journey, and hope. Through the process of discovery I seek clarity while honoring mystery and ambiguity.

The artist will be present at the opening reception on Saturday, April 25 from 2-5 p.m. This exhibition and opening run concurrently with The Long View, an exhibition of new paintings by Minnesota artist Tom Maakestad. These exhibitions will continue through June 6.

Press

Mary Abbe, Star Tribune | Minneapolis galleries showcase aerial paintings, abstractions and apocalyptic instructions