Visual artists Ann Vollum and Russell Christian will discuss the creative process in “A Conversation,” a presentation/talk and exhibition at The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery at SOPAC on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 6:30 p.m.
artwork by Russell Christian, courtesy of SOPAC
The artists’ mixed media exhibition A CONVERSATION is currently on display at the gallery through Sept. 18, said Dee Billia, SOPAC’s director of external relations, in a press release.
Guests will have the opportunity to speak with the artists about their art, and the creative process, during the event.
artwork by Ann Vollum, courtesy SOPAC
The exhibition’s closing reception is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 13 at 6 p.m. The public is invited to both of these free events, and refreshments will be served at the closing reception, said Billia.
The Herb & Milly Iris Gallery is free and open to the public Mon.-Sat., noon-6 p.m., and two hours prior to performances at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.
Here is a description of the exhibition, from the press release:
A CONVERSATION is an art exhibition curated by Micha Hamilton, and features the paintings and constructs of artists Ann Vollum and Russell Christian. Ann and Russell create art that is simultaneously playful and profound. Independent of what subtext or underlying message the images might hold, their works are fun, frisky and easy to enjoy, and should be reveled in with the joy and wonder of child-like abandon.
With artistic influences like Bosch, Darger, Ungerer, Drescher, Khalo, German Expressionism and Outsider Art, their creative universe blends these styles and techniques into a reflection and study of the natural and supernatural worlds filtered through their love for dark humor.
A South Orange resident by way of Africa, Ann is British by birth and spent her formative years in Zambia, Pakistan and England, instilling in her a deeply rooted fascination and respect for ethnographic art, a style that is unmistakably reflected in her work. Moving to America in 1989, she is widely known for her Beastly Beasties characters. Her work has been exhibited in the UK, locally at GAS Gallery And Studio in Maplewood, NJ, and other notable galleries in the greater New York area. For more information about Ann Vollum, visit beastlybeasties.com
Russell Christian came to the United States from England in the mid 1980s. In addition to being a painter, he is also an art teacher, art handler, illustrator and graphic designer. He lives in South Orange, NJ, with his family. For more information about Russell Christian, visit www.russellchristian.com.
Some of the artwork in the exhibition is available for sale. To purchase works, contact the SOPAC Development Department at 973-382-1033 or by email at development@SOPACnow.org. Partial proceeds benefit SOPAC.
