Artist Barry Treu sees lines and shapes and their relationship to each other in every day common objects that happen to be arranged by chance. It is these “found” visual compositions that are the inspiration for his abstract acrylic paintings. On Friday, April 5th “Abstractions–observed, recorded and found,” an exhibition of recent paintings by Barry Treu opens in the Kortman Gallery in Downtown Rockford. “My artwork often begins with photographing ‘found’ compositions, such as chance arrangements of theater props, dismantled and placed against a wall with no regard for color, shape or design,” said Treu. “Once photographed, they are printed out, drawn and transferred to canvas with charcoal. From there my work evolves through the layering of texture and color with paint.” According to Kortman gallery director Doc Slafkosky,
Treu’s art is a “breath of fresh air.” “It is refreshing to see work that is contemporary and elegant,” says Slafkosky. “Barry is a serious painter whose timeless works can be mesmerizing and visually challenging, yet would fit in any environment.”
Barry Treu recently returned to his Midwest roots by accepting the position of Director of Education at the Freeport Art Museum in Freeport, Illinois. He received his M.F.A. from the University of Wisconsin in Madison. Treu has taught university level classes in drawing, painting, sculpture and computer arts, worked as a sculptor in a mint, and has thoroughly enjoyed the museum education field for the past 7 years.
The opening receptions for “Abstractions–observed, recorded and found,” paintings by Barry Treu will be Friday, April 5th, from 5 to 9pm and Saturday, April 6th from 3 to 9pm.The opening coincides with First Fridays Downtown and the Rockford ArtScene weekend. The art will be on display through May 18th.. The gallery is located upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street. For further information call 815/968-0123 or visit www.jrkortman.com.
What: “ Abstractions–observed, recorded and found” an exhibition of paintings by Berry Treu When: Opening receptions: Friday, April 5, 5 to 9pm (featuring music from DJ Slick Vick) and Saturday, April 6, 3 to 9pm. The exhibition runs through May 18th. Gallery & Store open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 6pm. Where: Kortman Gallery, upstairs at J. R. Kortman Center for Design, 107 North Main Street, Downtown Rockford Admission: Free
