The University Museums at the University
of Delaware will present the exhibition COLOR/form: Dennis Beach/Donald
McLaughlin, on view Sept. 9 through Dec. 11 in the Old College Gallery.
COLOR/form brings together the work of two UD alumni--painter/sculptor Beach and painter McLaughlin--and will transform the stately space
of Old College Gallery into a celebration of color, from the bright hues
of Beachs sculpted ribbons to McLaughlins reinvention of Kirchners
sophisticated Berlin streets, and from the cacophony of a clown country
to the flickering movement of spinning color.
For both artists, COLOR/form represents a homecoming, an
opportunity for them to display several of their works in one of the
places where they once studied. Beach received a master of fine arts
degree from the University in 2005 and McLaughlin a bachelor of fine
arts degree from UD in 1979.
Working mainly in plywood, Beach creates a module that is repeated to
become a foundation for the interplay of the bright acrylic color. Like
the colors themselves, the results are electric.
McLaughlin opens new vistas by painting on linen, with lines curved
and straight, with colors flat and modulated, with forms that might
float free or collide.
In contrast to the polished color surfaces of Beachs works, which
belie the application of the paint by hand, McLaughlin leaves clues such as
drips of pain along the linens edge or the unfinished strokes of a
foreground flag, bringing viewers back to the substance of his medium.
There will be a reception with the artists, followed by a dance
performance courtesy of a collaborative ensemble from the UD dance minor
and Hope College dance department, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, with the
artist talks beginning at 5 p.m.
Those who plan to attend should RSVP via email at universitymuseums@udel.edu or by calling 302-831-8037.
About the artists
Dennis Beach is represented by the Schmidt Dean Gallery of
Philadelphia. His past exhibitions include solo exhibitions at the
Schmidt Dean Gallery and Space Available in Brooklyn, and his work is in
several collections including Comcast, Dansko and the Delaware Art
Museum.
Donald McLaughlin is represented by the Howard Scott Gallery of New
York, where he shows regularly. His work is represented in several major
collections, including the Eli Broad Family Foundation, Los Angeles;
the Museo Rufino Tamayo, Mexico City; Pepsico, Chicago; and the
Prudential Insurance Co., Newark, New Jersey.
About University Museums
University Museums seeks to enhance the educational and scholarly
mission of the University of Delaware through the exhibition, online
presentation, study, preservation and growth of its unique collections
in 20th and 21st century American art (with particular strengths in the
Brandywine School, African American art and photography), minerals and
pre-Columbian ceramics.
University Museums enriches cultural life beyond the campus through
presentation of the work of recognized artists, and through outreach
programs to selected audiences, including K-12 students, educators and
historically black colleges and universities.
Admission to all University Museums exhibitions and events is free and open to the public. RSVP for events as requested.
Guided tours are available by request. To book a tour, call 302-831-8037 or write to universitymuseums@udel.edu.
Museum hours are noon-8 p.m. on Wednesdays, noon-5 p.m. Thursdays
through Sundays. The museums are closed during University breaks and
holidays.
For general information, call 302-831-8037 or visit the University Museums website.
