Laura Wacha's New Show, "Likely Stories"

At New Grounds and Matrix Fine Art we celebrated the openings of both Adabel Allen and Laura Wacha's new Solo shows Transitations and Likely Stories.

Director Regina Held stands next to gallery assitant Tanya Landin in front of paintings by Laura Wacha in Matrix.

Artist Adabel Allen greets guests as they arrive at the gallery to view her show.

Laura Wacha not only paints but makes amusing mixed media sculptures.

Laura Wacha stands in Matrix speaking with guests.

Later that evening Adabel Allen did a demonstration of the photogravure process and talked about her work and inspirations.

 To see video of Adabel's demo click the links below.

 

Part 1 

Part 2 

Part 3 

Part 4 

Adabel greets a close friend at her show.

 

 Be sure to join us for First Fridays and new openings! 

Photos, video, and blog by Kaitlin Reese, New Grounds intern.

Local IQ's Smart List Poll- Best Gallery

Thanks to all who voted Matrix Fine Art as Best Gallery in Albuquerque for 2013! The Local IQ’s Smart List poll will be made public on March 14^th. We will continue to represent the finest contemporary art Albuquerque has to offer and are grateful for the continued support from our artists and clients.

Phil Peterson's Retrospective

Eighty-year-old artist Phil Peterson's new retrospective show Friday night was infomative about water based acrylic media, humorous, and fun!

Phil stands and talks with a guest.

The majority of Phil Peterson's art is large and measures between 4' x 5'.

Upon first look one could easily not notice the collaged materials within the paintings, but on closer inspection grocery bags, map pieces, overlapping and criss-crossing pencil lines, and even sand can be seen amid the paint.

Director Regina Held talks with New Grounds member Pam Wesolek before Phil's talk.

One of Phil's granddaughters stands in front of one of his paintings.

Regina introduces Phil before his talk.

In order for people to better understand his process and the nature of acrylic paint Phil gives guests and demonstration and chemistry lesson.

Phil began making his paintings on stands like this in his New York apartment in the 1960's.

Phil explains the chemial properties of safe non-toxic PVA which is found in acyrlics. Throughout history artist have used media such as oil based ink and dangerous solvents to create work, which over time can lead to disabling health issues.

Phil as a child lived close to the Hanford Atomic Project, and as an artist draws inspiration from that past. He sees beauty in every day power lines which are common themes in his art.

 

Please be sure to join us the next First Friday!

Photos by Jeff Simpson

Written by Kaitlin Reese, New Grounds Intern

Abstract NM Gallery Talk by Andrew Connors, Curator of Art, Albuquerque Museum

Andrew Connors, Curator of Art, Albuquerque Museum gave an interactive analysis and insight in his daunting process of selecting each amazing work shown at the Abstract NM show in the Matrix Fine Art Gallery.  Connors talk was one unique introspection in his process of dealing with the task of mentally selecting, cataloging, and curating such a show, which was wonderfully unique to those who attended.  Most jurors or curators don't readily conduct such an interactive talk, but Connors spoke with us and amongst us while explaining his thoughts and process, while asking the artists who attended how they made, and thought of their work.  The talk gave an insight into the curator's mind that is not often seen.  It was a refreshing experience to say the least.

- Meredith Chapman, Artist

First Abstract New Mexico juried show

Matrix Fine Art is proud to present its first juried show of anything abstract! Our juror, Andrew Connors, who had the impossible task of choosing the best 27 pieces out of several hundred submissions, expressed a high opinion of the works he reviewed. The resulting show does not necessarily answer those questions about abstract art, but it is colorful, provocative, and proves once again that New Mexico is full of extremely talented contemporary artists. The opening night was a success with several artists in attendance.

Ward Russell

Roger Green

Natalie Hardcastle

Diane Alire

 

People had a wonderful time at the event. They even got to vote on their favorite piece of the show. 

 

 Let the voting begin!

 Regina Held, Director, announcing the people's choice award.

And the award goes too.... Yesenia Perez-Gonzalez! Her first photograph in a show, ever! Congratulations!

"Transition" by Yesenia Perez-Gonzalez

 

 

 

 

Thank you to all the volunteers and to Jeff Simpson for the photographs!

Laura Wacha publishes book!

Matrix Fine Art's Laura Wacha, publishes a young adult book! Congratulations!!

Sarah Hartshorne, Quiet Beauty

Sarah Hartshorne’s paintings in the Matrix gallery bring the beauty of nature indoors. Surrounded by her crisp oil paintings of serene water lilies, sunflowers and wooded trails, viewers forget that they are indoors. 

 

The large scale of her work and vividness of her imagery caused viewers to pour over the paintings, looking for brushstrokes, trying to figure out just how she does it. Her work explores the play of light and shadow, and brings her subjects alive with color. Viewers enjoyed talking with Hartshorne about her painting techniques, her use of color, and the imagery that she works from.

Thank you to all the volunteers, to those who came to the show, and to Jeff Simpson, photographer.