Borrego Sun - Since 1949

A strikingly elegant show featuring three talented artist's representing works in Abstract Expressionism. Have to say this show is curated perfectly. Congratulations to BAI staff and Gallery Director Kay Levie. With live jazz playing in the courtyard this was a fabulous show attended by an enthusiastic crowd.

Abstract art can be a self-discovery, an intimate adventure into an unknown world explored by those willing to take the risks. What happens creatively is often unpredictable and surprising.

Robert Wright's latest collection of assemblages represents a significant shift creatively for Robert.

The assemblages are more refined, fluid lines, more sculptural. Robert's mastery of assemblage as an art form has matured. His hand possible has become more familiar with his craftsmanship which is now tinged by a new sleek visual sophistication. Each assemblage has a story representing its discovery then transformation into an assemblage. A story usually told with a humorous tongue in cheek twist, an artistic double entendre. Robert described his work in his own words. "There is a mystery to a found object. How did it end up here? What was it? What was its purpose? And sometimes, what the heck is it."

Hunting for assemblage items can be an arduous challenging adventure. Robert searched for objects in our Borrego Valley and on trips to abandoned sections of Route 66 tourist sites that are now shuttered and in ruin.

Winslow, Silver City, Santa Fe, he describes as having treasure troves of detritus found along the highways, in landfills and amongst dilapidated structures.

Hours before the show the walls showing Robert's artwork were already covered with sold red dots. As the show proceeded the red dots increased. This collection is an artistic triumph for Robert.

Antonio Escalante, Land of Memories/Roots

This is an intimate collection of paintings that requires the viewer to stop and take time to absorb the layers of colors, the overflow of shapes. Each painting contains apart of the artist a self experience to enlarge the spectator's horizon.

Antonio has a defined personal abstract language describing his work as an 'introspection that arises from coexistence with the landscape. Where the sea, desert, mountains and nuances of nature have a place and a time.' Beautiful often dreamy paintings.

Jennifer McHugh, Time Collection

Jennifer's 'Time,' collection is divided into two distinct and very different styles.

One is subtle, demure, muted colors, occasionally embellished with hand stitched embroidery. The other collection by comparison and preferred by me is vibrant with skilled wide slashing brush strokes giving a sense of movement and energy. These works have a powerful presence, are artistically rhythmic and dynamic. Jennifer says, "my work serves as a visual journal and my hope is that the viewer interprets a story, and inspiration as unique and spontaneous as what moved me to paint it."

An inspiring show to visit and spend some quality time viewing the collections at Borrego Art Institute and Cultural Center.