ECCENTRIC COLOR CELIA JOHNSON CONNY GOELZ SCHMITT FRAN SHALOM
On the cover: Fran Shalom's "Amplify"
ECCENTRIC COLOR CELIA JOHNSON, CONNY GOELZ SCHMITT, FRAN SHALOM
ON VIEW FEBRUARY 18 THROUGH MARCH 27, 2021
Kathryn Markel Fine Arts is pleased to present an exhibition of new paintings by Celia Johnson, Conny Goelz Schmitt and Fran Shalom. Each of these artists work against the discipline of highly structured compositions to express a robust, distinct visual language. This group show presents their work in conversation with one another to provoke new meanings and questions.
Celia Johnson uses the contrast of the raw texture of her panels and the transparencies of her brushstroke to create layered, collage-like paintings. Her works are inquisitive and act as puzzles to be solved. Her focus is on the play of color and form and how these interact on the picture plane. There is a modernist sensibility to her paintings which manifest as non-referential, rhythmic, geometric abstractions. Celia Johnson has exhibited in group and solo shows throughout the United States. She was most recently featured at the North Carolina Museum of Art, and has work in the corporate collection of Credit Suisse.
Celia Johnson Sciorr, 2018 Acrylic on birch panel 9.75 x 8.75 inches
Celia Johnson Comhrá, 2020 Acrylic on birch panel 24 x 21 inches
Celia Johnson na Fúire l, 2020 Acrylic on birch panel 24 x 21 inches
Celia Johnson na Fúire lI, 2020 Acrylic on birch panel 24 x 21 inches
Celia Johnson Cumasc, 2020 Acrylic on birch panel 24 x 21 inches
Celia Johnson Imeacht, 2020 Acrylic on birch panel 16 x 14 inches
Celia Johnson Seanóir, 2020 Acrylic on birch panel 45 x 35 inches
Celia Johnson Bàrd, 2019 Acrylic on birch panel 12 x 12 inches
Celia Johnson Blàth, 2019 Acrylic on birch panel 12 x 12 inches
Conny Goelz Schmitt works with the unique patina of heavily used, vintage book covers to create dynamic, geometric relief sculpture, collage and assemblage. Her work is informed by her studies in Sinology and German literature and her diverse, cultural experience growing up in Germany, living in Taiwan in her 20’s and then moving to the United States. Conny Schmiitt has exhibited her work internationally and received several awards and recognition for her work. In 2016 she was named sculptor of the year by the Chief Curator of Boston University in the CAA’s 69th members’ prize show and in 2018 she received the Juror’s Choice Award at the National Prize show in Cambridge, MA.
Conny Goelz Schmitt Projection, 2019 Vintage book collage 11 x 13 inches, 18 x 17 1.25 inches framed
Conny Goelz Schmitt Night Owl, 2020 Collage with vintage book paper 14 x 20.5 inches
Conny Goelz Schmitt Waiting Game, 2018 Collage with vintage book paper 30.5 x 39 inches
Conny Goelz Schmitt Interlude, 2020 Vintage book parts 8.5 x 11 x 5 inches
Conny Goelz Schmitt Corners of the Moon, 2020 Vintage book parts 19 x 15 x 4 inches
Conny Goelz Schmitt Long Haul, 2020 Vintage book parts 16 x 16 x 4 inches
Conny Goelz Schmitt Pick and Choose, 2020 Vintage book parts 15 x 14 x 3 inches
Conny Goelz Schmitt Twilight, 2020 Assemblage of vntage book parts 40 x 56 x 5 inches
In Fran Shalom's world, atypical shapes and meanings seem to burst out of whatever structure she puts in place. Like Johnson, she defines her work as modern abstract painting, but with a pop twist. She juxtaposes formal and playful expression and pares down her shapes and ideas to a simplified state. She uses elemental shapes and hard controlled edges, to balance the chaos of modern life and create an appearance of control and order. Fran Shalom has exhibited in several group and solo shows nationwide and her works are in the collections of many institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Brooklyn Museum.
Fran Shalom Dastardly, 2020 Oil on canvas 52 x 43 inches
Fran Shalom Amplify, 2020 Oil on wood 24 x 24 inches
Fran Shalom Encounter, 2020 Oil on wood 24 x 24 inches
Fran Shalom Dovetail, 2020 Oil on wood 16 x 16 inches