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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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FiveTwoSix Gallery
Wednesday 21 March @ 14:53:43 |
 by BETSY MOWRY
There’s no shortage of things to do in St. Paul’s Cathedral Hill, located in the Selby-Dale neighborhood—from Solo Vino and Common Good Books (Garrison Keillor’s bookstore), to FIVETWOSIX, a small gallery that is making a name for itself as an unconventional venue for artists, furniture makers and designers. FIVETWOSIX Gallery features work by more than 30 local and regional artists and artisans. The gallery is situated in a large, open setting at the back of the FIVETWOSIX Salon and Spa building.
 Last week, gallery director Stephen Trevino kicked off the 2007 season at FIVETWOSIX with a show by printmaker Genie Castro that defies the traditions of the discipline. Castro’s numerous works contribute a colorful, vibrant exclamation point to an already eclectic venue. Known for her large-scale monotypes and playful silkscreen canvases, Castro’s work has been described as evocative, witty and dramatic. A spontaneous use of color creates an exuberant and well-developed portfolio of large-scale embossed monotypes.
Dramatic and filled with expression and color, her unique approach to monotype reflects the style of abstract painters. “From Here to Obscurity” presents a wine-colored atmosphere accentuated by broad brush strokes. As the vertical elements of the piece descend, color wavers from caramel, greens and blues, to series of vigorous scrawls at the bottom. As a finishing note, Castro embosses swirling curling lines throughout the monotype with a dramatic flourish.
Castro spent a decade working in New York’s garment industry and studying sculpture, life drawing, figurative painting and abstract painting at Manhattan’s Art Students League. Minnesota born and raised, Castro now resides in Hudson, Wisc. When asked how her work in the garment industry may have influenced her printmaking, Castro says there is little impact on her current work. “It’s life, kids and a busy family. I used to prep for printmaking, but there’s not a lot of time to do that with a growing family. Monotype prints have the reputation of being a painter’s preferred print method. With this style of printmaking I can go into the studio unprepared and just create artwork. It is creative freedom.”
Another dramatic piece, “The Long Green,” focuses on colorful and erratic vertical lines, which create a look of intensity and relish. Yet, the image also provokes a reflection of something much more intimate. A closer examination gives the feeling of delving into the depths of a grassy landscape and shadows of enigmatic forms. “Feminine Mystique” is positioned on a foundation of rich blue, with swirls of reds, greens and blacks set off by embossed lines. The image is elegant and energetic and captures the raw kinetic feel of all her works.
In all, there are over a dozen pieces by Castro in this show, as well as an assortment of work by other artists, furniture designers and an array of fine antiques. FIVETWOSIX gallery is eclectic, comfortable and a great place to browse. ||
Genie Castro’s exhibition runs through Apr. 21. FIVETWOSIX Gallery is located at 526 Selby Ave., St.Paul. Gallery hours are Mon.–Fri. noon–7 p.m. & Sat. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. For more information call 651-222-3839 or visit fivetwosixsalon.com.
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