BOX OF BATS PROJECT 

Handcrafted children's namesake pillows

by Marlene

The New Art Group-“Letters”

   The New Art Group was founded in 1992. It is a 23 year old collection of visual artists dedicated to helping artists get exhibits for their work in the tristate area. The current rooster of members is Susan Ahlstrom of Stirling, New Jersey. Francessca  Azzara of Westfield. The art ranges from encaustic to photography, to assemblage, installation and representational art. It provides opportunities for thousands of artists to display their work.It also has musical performances. 

The New Art Group will be exhibiting at Gallery U, Westfield from October 6 thru October 30, 2016. The artist’s reception will be held on Friday October 28, 2016 from 6-8pm.  It is a twenty three old collection

   The title of this exhibit is “Letters.” The word Letters evokes a myriad of memories, images and thoughts both ancient and contemporary. The use of Letters and words has seen an explosion in contemporary art and has become a tradition for artists to explore how texts work in a visual realm.

   The New Art Group gives the topic of letters a whole new meaning in this exhibit. “Letters” contains some interesting paintings:

   Jane Caminos’ work,”Saint Malala” presents the viewer with some interesting paradoxes. It is very explicit image of a covered Indian woman with a bright golden halo. The background is multi –colored

Paisley that is somewhat muted. The illuminated halo is overshadowed by the paisley background. The woman holds a placard with the bold lettering, ”I am stronger than fear.”

   There have been many struggles and battles that have taken place in India, including the internecine war between the North and South in the 18^th century. The fear that war creates is what I believe the reference to the placard that the woman displays. War creates insecurity. It is my contention that “Saint Malala” is Ms. Caminos’ commentary on these conflicts. 

   “Whispers in the Living Room” is a highly abstract painting that startles the senses. It is the work of Francesca Azzar. The paintings of contemporary abstract artists presents a puzzle for me.  The message that is contained within “Whispers” is not immediately obvious. Ms. Azzara’s work is striking in its presentation. It is also somewhat dark. The large black splash of color sets a somewhat somber mood. It is the overriding image in this work, but this is set in sharp juxtaposition to the light pink color of the rest of the canvas.

   The trail of bright blood splashes that trail off the end of this work somehow complete this painting. It is engaging. It also somehow demands one to grant it attention. 

   Empowerment is another painting by Jane Caminos. It is packed with imagery. A young woman who could be described as a punk rocker sits with a power cord at her feet. She appears angry. A Black bird which evokes images of Poe’s poem, “The Raven” sits on this woman’s knee. A pack of wolves hover in the background. Lemons are scattered at this woman’s feet. These are all power images. The painting is unnerving. I find it both memorizing and disturbing at the same time. 

   The use of script in art is riding a wave of popularity.  Personally I have always been enamored with the literary arts. The addition of the literary to the visual arts is an innovative idea. It adds something to the general aesthetic experience.