The Arts Council of Princeton announces a two-person exhibition titled, Being Present: Exploration of Abstraction, featuring the work of Princeton-based artists Robin Resch and Shirley Kern. The exhibition is on display May 17-June 14 in the Taplin Gallery.
Being Present explores abstraction through the photographic artwork of Resch and paintings of Kern. They have long been drawn to each other’s work, finding that it resonates mutually in an emotive way that they feel is worth sharing.
Resch is interested in conveying the essence of what she experiences. Her work, made in moments of reflection, stillness and contemplation, pulls this essence from light, exploring the energies she perceives through shifts in focus. Her intention is to evoke the emotive experience of being in a certain place and the landscape as we pass through it, an analogy to the fleeting nature of life and the vulnerability of our planet.
Kern’s vibrant abstract paintings pull the viewer in with an immediate intensity. She is interested in the realm of possibilities and uses memories of experiences and nature that are fleeting, emerging and evolving naturally as she paints. This intuitive process creates emotion and surprise, allowing for a deeper connection with a sense of aliveness accentuated by the rhythms of music.
Rather than expressing the world realistically, they share an interest in exploring other impressions and emotions. Both artists embrace unpredictability, opening themselves to chance. This spontaneous way of working allows colors and shapes to flow into one another, creating a sense of motion and time passing.
Being Present is an invitation to connect and through abstraction to see differently. It reminds us of the value in simply being present, in this moment.
A Gallery Opening will be held Saturday, May 17 from 3-6pm. Free and open to all.
To learn more about the artists and their work, please visit their websites: www.robinresch.net; www.shirleykernstudio.com.
Arts Council of Princeton, 102 Witherspoon Street, Princeton. For more information, visit artscouncilofprinceton.org or call 609-924-8777.
