Studio Montclair presents “Text & Subtext,” a new exhibit in which the member artists explore the use of text in art. The selected works all contain text that has been integrated as elements such as shape and texture, used to impart a personal meaning or opinion. The text was obtained from printed material, print media, or direct writing into the work using any medium chosen by the artist. The exhibit will be held at the SMI Virginia S. Block Gallery (33 Plymouth Street, Montclair, NJ) from September 20 through December 20, 2013.  All are invited to attend an opening reception on Friday, September 20 from 7pm to 9pm.

Throughout the centuries, many cultures have incorporated text within their works of art. Most notably is the art of ancient Egypt, where hieroglyphics were an integral part of the art; it is even prevalent on sculpture during that time. Similarly, in Chinese culture, text plays an integral part in their classical paintings.

“The concept for this show was to exhibit works that merged the textural medium of the written language with mediums in the visual arts such as painting, printmaking, photography and so forth,” said exhibit curator Virginia S. Block. “The works selected have incorporated usage of text as small as a single character, a word or a sentence to larger elements such as verse that covers the entire picture plane. Artists were at liberty to use text that was written by them or taken from printed media or the common domain.”

“Text & Subtext” features work by Francesca Azzara, Jill Cliffer Baratta, Marsha Miele Branca, Jennifer Breitenstein, Monica S. Camin, Judith Carlin, Barbara Donahue, Noel Farese, Mike Ferrari, Kevin Hinkle, Jennifer Levine, Valerie Lewlis Mankoff, Don Sichler, Abie Sussman, and Heidi Sussman.

In some of these artists’ works, the written text is a reflection of the artist’s thoughts or opinions; in others, the text may have no meaning other than to create a pattered surface.

Exhibit curators Virginia S. Block and Karen Nielsen-Fried are accomplished artists in their own rights. Ms. Block’s work is included in numerous private and corporate collections. Ms. Nielsen-Fried is primarily an encaustic painter whose work has been shown extensively throughout New Jersey.

Text, as an element, has never left the visual arts, but has continued to reappear throughout numerous movements. The Belgian surrealist artist Rene Magritte used text as a prominent element in his works, often giving the text as much importance as his object subject. Well-known popular contemporary artists such as Cy Twombly, Robert Rauschenberg, and Andy Warhol continued this usage and popularized it among artists today who use it freely in their works. “Text & Subtext” shows today’s artists continuing that tradition in innovative and exciting new directions.

About Studio Montclair

Studio Montclair Inc. is a nonprofit organization of exhibiting professional artists and others interested in the visual arts. Its mission is to promote culture and education in the visual arts and encourage emerging artists. Founded in 1997, the organization includes over 300 members, including artists from around the United States. www.studiomontclair.org

Listing Information About the Exhibit:

Exhibition Dates: September 20 – December 20, 2013
Opening Reception: Friday, September 20, 2013, 7-9pm
Gallery Hours: Monday – Friday, 7am-7pm
Address: 33 Plymouth Street, Montclair, NJ 07042
Telephone: 973-744-1818
Email: studiomontclair@aol.com
Website: www.studiomontclair.org
SMI’s mailing address: 108 Orange Road, Montclair, NJ 07042