ABSTRACTION II
Juror: David Reif
Deadline: May 15, 2022
Exhibit Dates: June 23 – July 16, 2022

The terms “Abstraction” or “Abstract Art” are perhaps among the most common references describing particular way(s) of understanding and perceiving the cosmic and daily realities in which we find ourselves. (We might note, too, that the terms are often mis-applied as though they are necessarily in opposition to “Realism” or “Realistic Art”.) The truth is, however, that the abstract art “movements” of late 19th and early 20th century (Impression, Cubism, Expressionism, Surrealism, etc.) were driven by a passion to get closer to the complex realities of nature and human condition, not depart from them. Later, Minimalism, Neo-Dada, Geometric Abstraction, Conceptualism, Art Povera and other developments continue this “Big Bang” inquiry. Put simply, “Realism in Art” could no longer be described as an explicit fidelity to direct, observed, experience. This basic axiom remains, arguably, just as valid today: Reality is often far beyond simple, static appearance and can be highly counter-intuitive. Over the decades, the concepts of Relativity, Quantum Theory and the advent of photography – among many other ideas – have helped clarify, how and why this is so.

Abstraction, of course can be many different things, driven by many different principles and suppositions: some conscious, some intuitive. As an artist; What are yours? This exhibition is an invitation to submit, through the qualities and implications of your work, some conscious exploration of this question.

All mediums and materials are eligible including video and performance for submission. Due to space limitations no large projections or media-based installations will be accepted.

The juror will choose 3 honorary awards that will be posted in the exhibit and listed on the ARC website.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION’S JUROR:

DAVID REIF — Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Univ. Wyoming. BFA, Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, The Art Institute of Chicago, MFA, Sculpture, Yale Univ.; Assoc. Professor, Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.; Chair and Board, Wyoming Council for the Arts, Visiting Artist: Univ. of Northern Arizona; Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison; Univ. of Michigan; Colorado State Univ., Ft. Collins, Centenary College of Louisiana; Univ. of Houston, TX., Wayne State Univ. Detroit.