Claremont faculty brings abstract art to ULV
Campus Times
September 18, 1998
photo by Laura Ambriz
Freshmen Tara Smith and Leah Sahagun discuss Roland Reiss' "How
Things Are," on their first visit to the Harris Art Gallery. Approximately
70 people have visited the "New Paintings" exhibit this term.
Reiss will present a lecture on his paintings Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.
Abstract paintings deck the walls evoking life into the Harris Art Gallery
these days. Bright shapes and intertwined lines challenge the mind to collaborate
the pieces.
This vivacious exhibit, which started Sept. 8 and lasts until Sept.
23, is the work of Roland Reiss, chair of the Art Department at Claremont
Graduate University. His exhibit, entitled "New Paintings," is
being publically displayed for the first time in Los Angeles.
The exhibit is the first in a series of three solo exhibits at the gallery
recognizing the artistic talents of CGU faculty. Reiss starts the exhibit
with 13 paintings. These paintings are composed of as much as 25 coats of
translucent acrylic paint creating a smooth surface and utilizing the light/space
capacity of two dimensions and light.
"Abstract painting has a long history, and I see my paintings on
the edge of it," said Reiss.
Reiss has taken abstract painting to a new level by extending the objects
to the outer edge of the canvas, shattering the traditional boundaries of
painting. He said this process makes the shapes and lines seem tangible.
He also said translucent film over some objects to create a sense of depth.
This style of painting is very new, yet Reiss claims that no artist can
be completely original.
"I have the whole history of art in me," said Reiss.
He said that as long as an artist has a background in art history and
is familiar with the different artists and styles he is bound to imitate
or adapt to an established style often redefining the style.
The paintings appear "chaotic" and very disorganized when
encountered for the first time.
"When I first saw it, I really didn't have much understanding for
it, but after reading the corresponding materials it all made sense,"
said senior art major Carl Guillaume.
The paintings are accompanied with an explanation of the painting process
and titles, yet do not depend on them for a revelation. There are titles
such as "Whodovoodoo," "If This," and "Exactly
What" just to name a few.
"I like to title my work, but I don't want the titles to direct
the observer's mind. They are simply there to invoke the observer's thoughts
to get the observer started," said Reiss.
Reiss also has a passion for sculpture as well and devoted his time
to it until recently. In 1991, he made a come-back to the world of art and
started exploring deeper with abstract painting. Having exhibited in countries
such as Brazil, Mexico, Korea and England his paintings and style became
very well-known throughout the world.
Some ULV Art Department faculty have either graduated from or taught
at CGU, and as a result the two schools have established a good relationship.
In addition, a vast number of ULV graduates go to CGU because it is one
of the top three schools on the West Coast.
"Having art in the campus gallery not only demonstrates that the
University of La Verne is promoting culture to the University, it also reflects
well on the campus," said Ruth Trotter, chair of ULV's Fine Arts Department.
The process of selecting the exhibits is usually done by the Art Department
faculty as a whole overlooked by Trotter. The artists are chosen by word
of mouth and personal contacts, but they also take suggestions.
"The Art Department's mission is to showcase quality contemporary
artists," said Trotter.
Now the University of La Verne has the rare opportunity to display these
extraordinary paintings. The Harris Art Gallery is open Monday-Friday from
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Reiss will be back at ULV to give a lecture on Sept. 23 at 7 p.m. in
the Harris Art Gallery as well as answer questions about his style and his
paintings.
As others ponder over his creative use of mediums, Reiss has reached
the end of his experimental stages with this style. He is satisfied with
his results. Now he utilizes this unique style as a tool for self-expression.
"Roland is a very important artist. It reflects well on us and
our gallery to showcase artists of that professional stature," said
Trotter.
