The Spectrum

Issue date: 9/21/06 Section: A & E

Media Credit: The Spectrum/Kate Brindisi Those present at the gallery opening, were able to further enrich themselves through the new exhibition.

Media Credit: The Spectrum/Kate Brindisi Gallery attendees admire display.

Media Credit: The Spectrum/ Kate Brindisi One of the pieces of art on display.

Sunday September 17 was the opening day for The Elements: Fire exhibition in the contemporary art gallery on campus.

This is the second part of a series of exhibits in which the artists explore the elements of Earth, air, water and fire through their artwork.

The Carol Sudhalter Duo accompanied the gallery opening with their jazz music and following the exhibition was a panel discussion among artists: Siona Benjamin, Bryan Nash Gill and Ula Einstein. The panel was moderated by Dr. June-Ann Greeley, the Assistant Professor of Religious Studies.

"I was very happy with the crowd that turned out to view the works and attend the panel discussion," said Sophia Gevas, director of The Gallery of Contemporary Art.

The study of "Fire" was the focus for the exhibition this past weekend. Fire was used not only as an influence but a tool that helped inspire and create their works of art.

"I wasn't sure what to expect when I attended the gallery since it was my first time going," said Jessica Bruederoein, junior, Yonkers, N.Y. "I was very impressed with the art that I saw, and had no idea there were such talented artists in the area."

Each artist has in their own way represented the element of fire.

"Fire is the common starting point for each of the works in this exhibit," said Gevas. "Each artist has a unique and particular connection to the subject of fire and each produces a very personal result."

"Plume I, II and III" by artist Francine Funke was inspired by real life events such as the oil fires in Kuwait. Her three large -scaled acrylic canvases depicted the beginning, the middle and the end of the terrible fires that destroyed the countryside.

For some of the other artists, fire was used to tell a different story. In Barbara Wilk's oil crayon, "Their World Is On Fire" (2000), she takes us back to prehistoric times.

The colored picture shows us terrified stick figures and circular images that resemble primitive drawings on cave walls.

For Adam Straus, fire is comfort. In his painting "Memorial" (1995), he presents us with the image of one lit candle and another unlit candle with a bloom suspended between in pitch black background.

Considering that there are many cultures and religions that use fire as a symbol of power there were a few pieces that expressed such views.

Fire can be used for religious symbols as in the holy spirit or a burning bush. In Alan Falk's painting called "Ezekiel: The First Vision (2006)" he takes a moment from the Bible to illustrate the power of fire.

The Gallery of Contemporary Art is open from Monday through Thursday from 12 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For more information please call 203-365-7650 or visit http://artgallery.sacredheart.edu.

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