In honor of Black History Month 2004, the Shelnutt Gallery is holding an exhibit titled Jazz Reverberations, co-sponsored by the Black Students Association of RPI. Works from several different artists are featured; although a variety of styles and forms are presented, the overall effect is a coherent whole. In essence, Jazz Reverberations is abstract with a dash of impressionism.
One of the more interesting pieces is “Time Trip Part II #10” by artist Al Loving, a 66 inches by 58 inches collage, roughly in the shape of a bird. Predominant are the elongated spirals and checkered patterns, which contribute to the effect that the bird appears to be dancing. Despite the fact that the colors are almost art deco, it manages to implant an image of a spiraled, checkered bird dancing to “Let’s Do The Time Warp Again,” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The works of artist Stephen Tyson offered a contrast to the more abstract pieces with three acrylics composed of mostly regular patterns which tessellate with abandon all over the canvas. In addition, Tyson seemed to be striving for some political commentary, or maybe just thievery of the Hot Shots Part Deux joke, with his 1999 piece titled “Passage to Iraq and a Hard Place.”
Artist Frank Wimberley taps into a bit of jazz history with his piece “Bakiff,” named for the Duke Ellington song written by Juan Tizol. “Bakiff” (the painting) seems to exude a dark moodiness contrary to the joyous spirit of Duke Ellington’s jazz.
The only minor complaint of Jazz Reverberations is that the artwork is a bit sparse. However, the exhibit is a good one and the art is definitely worth a look. Pieces such as Ron Walton’s impressionist paintings of jazz instruments exemplify the spirit of jazz captured in the works. Walton uses a very tightly focused color scheme and layers of paper to give his works a unique texture.
The exhibit will run until February 30, with an opening reception on February 12 in the Shelnutt Gallery from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, with the artists attending. Also, Vice President of Student Life Eddie Knowles will join Leland Martin for a 6 pm jam session on the drums. Good art and an interesting performance will make this reception, or at least the exhibit, one not to miss.
