Abstraction: Retrospective Memories

Abstraction: Retrospective Memories, a show featuring the works of two powerful abstract artists, will open March 20 at Foosaner Art Museum.

The exhibit centers on two contemporary artists, Steven Seinberg and Rene Griffith, and looks back on the museum’s 40-plus-years of history, “Our final exhibition highlights two distinct abstract voices of solemnity and optimism, which together illuminate the collective transition of the Brevard arts community, while also celebrating the 40-plus-year history of the museum,” said Foosaner Art Museumn Director Ashley Milliken.

Steven Seinberg, Brooklyn native and current Brevard, Florida resident, is best known for his use of muted palettes, precise additive and subtractive devices, and poetic line work. Bill Lowe, whose Atlanta gallery represents Seinberg,  describes his work as, “A formula of graphite, oil and canvas to create breath-like creations. Seinberg’s somber pallet, bold strokes and poetic line work connect the outside world with motion as incessant and loss being invaluable.”

Seinberg’s paintings are inspired by biological senses, environmental factors and the emotional responses to these surroundings. The various elements within his paintings are determined by what he intuits at each moment during the process of creation, which forces his paintings to communicate in a mysterious, unobtrusive subtle and instinctive manner. Because of these factors, every aspect and phase of Seinberg’s work fades in and out of the paint almost imperceptibly, leaving behind powerful images capable of nurturing the mind, heart and soul.

Rene Griffth, born in Panama but current Indatlatic artist, is a visual storyteller who creates images that evoke her personal memories and feelings about the world that surrounds her. Inspired by a lifelong fascination with abstract shapes, Griffth paints to capture the essence of a place to convey her thoughts and feelings, “Using color, texture and shape, my intention is to give the viewer a glimpse into my feelings about the places I remember,” she said. “Then they can use their own experiences and memories to relate to these places.”

Her mixed-media art is often reminiscent of an earlier era yet is also unmistakably contemporary, intending to create modern art filled with layers of history and texture. Griffith then invites the viewer to complete the story by interpreting it through their own lens and experience.

The show will remain open until June 30, after which the Foosaner will permanently close.

The Foosaner Art Museum is at 1463 Highland Ave. in the Eau Gallie Arts District of Melbourne. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information about the artists and this exhibition, visit  https://foosanerartmuseum.org/current-art-exhibitions/.