Jersey City, NJ – It’s been three years now since artists were driven from the Downtown Powerhouse Arts District, following a long and bitter dispute with billionaire developer Lloyd Goldman, leading many artists to abandon Jersey City in search of affordable housing and studio space elsewhere. Those that have stayed have witnessed an extended campaign of harassment and intimidation. 58 Gallery, one of the few remaining exhibition and performance spaces has felt the full force of this campaign, leading founder Orlando Reyes to significantly scale back the gallery’s schedule of exhibitions and performances. In addition, the recent settlement between Jersey City Mayor Jeremiah Healy’s Administration and Goldman paves the way for the demolition of the iconic 111 First St. building with its artist studios, galleries and exhibition spaces, to be replaced with two non-descript luxury high-rise apartment and condominium buildings. All these developments seem to portend an abandonment of the arts in downtown Jersey City. But don’t tell that to the hundred plus people who made their way to the Grassroots Arts Facility this past Saturday for the opening of Introversions, an exhibition of paintings by local Jersey City artist Gordon Fraser.
Introversions, an exhibition of 10 major new egg tempera and oil paintings and 20 watercolors is representative of Fraser’s recent work, and explores the fusion of eastern and western “old master” techniques with his post-Expressionist vision. For the last several years, Gordon has been experimenting with different recipes and formulas to develop a painting medium that captures and conveys a glowing sense of luminosity. Judging from the response of those in attendance at the opening, Gordon has hit the mark. The colors and the paintings glow on the wall, from the large canvases to the small watercolors, and collectors were keen to support this exciting and sublime work.
Introversions runs through Friday March 21, 2008 at the Grassroots Arts Facility, 143 Christopher Columbus Drive, in downtown Jersey City, one block west of the Grove Street Path Station. The gallery is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturdays from 3pm – 8pm. Established in 2007, the Grassroots Arts Facility seeks to be the “new cultural hub in Jersey City.” Incorporating approximately 10,000 square feet on four floors, the Grassroots Arts Facility is home to the Lex Leonard Gallery, Toy Eaters Studio and the Grassroots Boutique and Gallery. For more information on the Grassroots Arts Facility, contact Colin Comstock, 610 209-5059, learsenalav@gmail.com or Gordon Fraser, gordon@gordonfraserfinearts.com.
Grassroots Arts Facility
143 Christopher Columbus Drive
Jersey City, NJ 07302
(corner of Christopher Columbus and Barrow)
Opening reception: Saturday, February 9, 2008, 7-10 pm
Gallery hours: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 3-8 pm
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1 comment:
Good words.
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