A Random Walk

Rowan University

Art Gallery

Mary Salvante, Gallery & Exhibitions Program

Director

CONTACT: Dennis Dougherty

(856) 256-4537;

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A RANDOM

WALK

The accidental

and intentional investigation of abstraction

GLASSBORO, NJ – “A Random

Walk” is an insightful investigation of accidental and intentional mark making

in abstraction and is on display in Rowan University Art Gallery from November

21 - December 21, with an opening reception on Thursday, November 21, from 5:30

– 7 pm. The signature marks included in this exhibition

are by Tish Ingersoll, Emily Brett Lukens, Tim McFarlane, Rebecca Rutstein,

Tremain Smith, Robert Solomon and Douglas Witmer.

The exhibit is an

investigation into seven artists producing abstract work whose

"story" is told through personal and habitual mark making. According

to the curator, Robert Solomon, the seed for

this show was planted several years ago after reading James Elkins' What Painting Is, which was followed by

a group discussion on the author's eccentric study of the work of artists and

the occupation of medieval alchemists. Elkins contends that the ritualized

behavior of an artist's work has parallels in alchemical practice.

“Careful observation reveals how artists develop a signature by

repeating and morphing their ‘mark.’ It follows the history of modern and post-modern

abstract painting which has a strong dialogue with geometry,” notes Solomon, a Philadelphia-based

artist and designer.

Artists accumulate a body of knowledge

through a lifetime of trial and error, accident and intention that defines

their particular signature. Initially, a study of geometry and mark making, the

theme evolved into an opportunity for the viewer to gain an appreciation of the

opposing but necessary processes that help shape contemporary abstract work.

Admission

to the gallery and the reception is free and open to the public. Regular

gallery hours are Monday – Friday, 10 am to 5 pm (with extended hours on

Wednesdays to 7 pm); and Saturday, 12 to 5 pm. For more information, call

856-256-4521 or visit www.rowan.edu/artgallery.

Rowan University Art

Gallery is located on the lower level of Westby Hall on the university campus,

Route 322 in Glassboro, NJ.