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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Julia Katz at Addington Gallery




Addington Gallery has a great show opening tonight, Friday April 17th 2009. I suggest getting there early because Addington is not only a lover of art, but also of delicious food, both of which will be in attendance this evening.

Dan Addington loves paint, and he has a special place in his heart for the figure. That being said, within the Addington Gallery walls the paint, or whatever medium the artist uses, almost always trumps the subject matter. I must admit though, this new show featuring Julia Katz, makes me question if the paintings are more about paint, or the figures.

Julia Katz’s, Making a Splash, consists of paintings of beachgoers and inner-city summer water seekers, just in time, I would say. With the final chill in the air from winter, we need to see work like this. Reminding us how nice it is to feel the warmth of the sun on our face, and what it means to find relief in the water.

Julia’s work floats on the gallery walls offering you space and air as well as the warmth that escapes the surface, reminding you that summer is coming, and not a moment to soon. That oddly sounds to me like the paintings are about the subject matter, but wait; Julia is painting these with a thick and chunky style. Dinty Moore has got nothin’ on her. I stood in front of these, astounded that from three feet away the paint took over as it folded and clung to itself, but if I were to take a step back these works would glow and pulsate with light, warmth and air.

I would like to thank Julia Katz, whose work made me remember what summer felt like over twenty years ago.

Exhibition Opening Reception:
Friday, April 17, 5-8pm
Exhibition continues through June 3, 2009

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