Free to all, the Anderson Gallery is showcasing "Color of Chaos," a vibrant collection that acts as a jolt of caffeine for the eyes from Amsterdam artist Karel Appel. Rich oils and acrylics on canvas assail the walls of the first-floor gallery. On the second floor, a combination of surreal, abstract objects invade the walls with the "Media Mixer" collection.
The galleries held their opening reception on Thursday, April 20. "Color of Chaos" will be running through June 25 and the "Media Mixer" will be on display through Oct. 1.
Despite the creativity of the individual starter pieces for "Color of Chaos," they would probably be better appreciated if they weren't all bunched together. By the time Appel's "Color of Chaos" gets viewed, people have already been half-drowned in a sea of colors.
Though Appel's work shows great love of paint and colors, it is hardly enough to compensate for the fact that they look like childish drawings. In his earlier works, Appel seems to have an artistic ability to scribble and smear over mistakes and call it a work of art.
His later works show more control of his jittery hands with smoother lines. Unfortunately, Appel fails to grow out of finger-painting. It seems as though he randomly chooses wild colors. Cleaner lines and organization aren't enough to make his work look less juvenile.
Once visitors have had enough with the smack-in-the-face colors, they can take some refuge on the second floor. "Media Mixer" offer viewers the chance to explore the world of surrealism and abstraction through familiar and unfamiliar materials.
Nails become mushroom-like as they cluster together in not-so orderly fashion on a wooden board. Burnt books seem to melt into one another in a piece that recalls "Fahrenheit 451."
Lucite, alabaster, bamboo, polyurethane, lacquer, Plexiglas and other construction materials are used in these structures. Even classic materials like wood and marble are used in new ways that people wouldn't expect.
"Media Mixer" fuses surrealism and abstract art and makes for a show that breaks boundaries with the way people perceive typical as well as atypical materials.
Though the seeming randomness of the objects may be confusing at first, they are perhaps just the artists' attempts to break free of order.
Both shows can be found at UB Anderson Gallery at One Martha Jackson Place, near Englewood and Kenmore. The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
