BRATTLEBORO — Mitchell-Giddings Fine Arts, 183 Main St., presents “Object and Memory,” an exhibition of paintings and collages by nationally and internationally celebrated Pennsylvania artist Chuck Olson.
An opening and artist reception is planned for Saturday, Nov. 6, from 5 to 7 p.m. An artist talk is scheduled for the following day, Sunday, Nov. 7, at 5 p.m. The exhibit continues through Sunday, Dec. 12.
As described in a news release, “[a] first impression of Olson's work is the artist's infectious joy of painting.”
“He employs a lustrous and rich palette, a chromatic vitality which often elevates or defines an object but never overwhelms or shoulders the form aside. His subtly brushed hues and tonal ranges are often juxtaposed with striking, contrasting passages of deep blackish-blues or greens. The balances achieved assure that each painting stands alone, complete and whole.
“As a dedicated student of the past, Olson is inclined to suggest historical narrative in his work by appropriating or referencing sculptural or architectural elements, often in the form of collaged imagery - hybridized objects, perhaps, even as he initially engages his audience with the seductive surface brushwork and gestural energy of the Abstract Expressionists.”
Olson states in his 2007 book, Visual Histories: “My painting has long been a response to my fascination with history as it is wedded to its artifacts and to the landscape upon which events have played themselves out.”
“History and memory are salted within any given landscape,” he writes.
Olson has received numerous honors and awards and has taught for over 40 years. His paintings have been featured in more than 300 solo, group, and juried exhibitions throughout the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Bermuda, Scotland, and Japan.
Gallery hours are Thursdays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, call 802-251-8290 or visit mitchellgiddingsfinearts.com.