EXHIBITION: MAY 5-27, 2012

Not all artists work with the intention of conveying a clear-cut message, or even working with an intentional subject matter or premise. Much of what is best about art is its ambiguous nature, where meanings blur and interpretations can differ depending upon each person or situation.

Some of this artistic gray area will be explored by five members of the German Village Art League in the exhibition (Not Always) Black and White.

Over the past year and a half, the German Village Art League has selected a few “Featured Artist” members to highlight in their newsletter and website, with an aim towards helping members become acquainted, and also to set the stage for a future group show. With that in mind the GVAL Board selected five artists with a common aesthetic thread: they all work in black-and-white or limited color palettes. The featured artists are: Marc Lincewicz, drawing; W.E. Arnold, photography; Mona Gazala, mixed media; Todd Hickerson, ceramics; and Amy Leibrand, photography.

But just to give an added dimension to the common thread running through the work of all five artists, some of their work will be exploring issues of ambiguity. It may be in meaning, perception, or subject, but what we see in the artwork will not always be – as they say - black and white.

In “Brooklyn Bridge” and other photographs, for example, W.E Arnold does not set out with the intention of exploring a clear-cut subject matter, but rather, seeks out real- life, happening- now moments to capture on film. “I always strive to unearth reality authentically and without guidance. I go hunting for my subject matter; I do not construct it.”



Amy Leibrand, on the other hand, seeks ambiguity through constructed imagery that can be perceived in a variety of ways. In “Half Does, and Half Does Not” Amy creates a work about “the self we judge and rebuff. The parts of us that make up the whole…groups of nameless things off kilter and disconnected that we sprain and pinch as we live our lives and learn lessons.” What struggles are being depicted in the image are open to interpretation.

Postcard design by Marc Lincewicz

To learn about GVAL Featured Artists click here

For location and more information about MadLab click here

Click here to Join GVAL!

The German Village Art League was formed in 2009 to develop an artist alliance. The league offers exhibition opportunities and a dialogue among artists, and promotes the neighborhood as a creative, artistic community.

German Village Art League
P.O. Box 6258
Columbus, OH 43206-6258

All images ©copyright German Village Art League and members