‘RELIEF – an exploration’ at Mathias Fine Art

Mathias Fine Art is pleased to present “RELIEF – an exploration,” June 26 – Sept. 29, a summer group exhibition organized by Cordula Mathias. Featuring work by 10 artists from New England and New York, Relief explores a theme and an art term. In art, relief refers to a 3-dimensional technique as well as to the 3-dimensional object that results from the application of a technique where the surface area has been raised or lowered.

Max Bartsch is interested in layering of paint and adding different materials to his primary surface. The visual effect is akin to what musicians call sampling. His pieces exhibit a lot of depth and offer much to explore.

No stranger to readers of the Boothbay Register, the late Brenda Bettinson is included with a group of works from her Maine 1 Phase. Three-dimensional elements of her shaped wooden surfaces are a hallmark of this period as evidenced by her impressive red truck Earthmover. A one-person exhibition of Bettinson’s “Ravensbrueck” paintings was held at Pace University, Westchester, New York during the month of April.

Kimberly Callas is represented by a high relief “Anima” and an exciting series of new mixed media pieces where Callas combines painting with 3-D printing. Recently returned from a residency in Hungary, the artist is currently in Maine on sabbatical from her teaching position at Monmouth University in New Jersey.

Michael Culver’s new mixed media pieces incorporate the artist’s own photographs into his typically dynamic compositions. His recent artist biography of Henry Strater Sparring in the Dark and a number of Culver’s paintings and photographs are also available at Mathias Fine Art at this time.

Bonnie Ewald, primarily a painter, has presented us with an intriguing work called Renaissance Pop Art Collage. It is a fun riff on the various innovations which renaissance painting introduced to visual representation. You will want to consult the available crib sheet to navigate Ewald’s pictorial space.

The relief theme inspired Brigitte Keller to create a number of small abstract collages. Keller’s work and an artist statement are included in “Journeys of Transformation,  published by the One-by-One in 2023. In contrast Kate Marohn takes on relief in its metaphorical sense. Her drawings juxtapose black and white backgrounds with superimposed rectangular areas of vibrant color.

In the work of Maine sculptor Antoinette Prien Schultze relief finds its expression in controlled chisel marks on granite (viz. “Dressed Torso” and “The Closing”).

We are excited to include the work of Mona Shiber a talented ceramic artist here for the first time. Shiber, who is based in Massachusetts, has contributed a gorgeous triptych “Movement thru Still Moments” and two one-of-a-kind hand-made books, which delight with their creative combination of her exceptional levels in the traditional skills of book binding, paper-folding and ceramics.

The group show also includes a relief print by Ivan Valtchev. This small work is full of complexity where graphic art techniques meet molded paper.

Mathias Fine Art has been showing museum-quality, content-rich art since 1991. This exhibition continues the tradition. Prices range from surprisingly affordable to more serious commitments.

A free gallery talk is scheduled for Wednesday, July 17 from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. All are welcome. Gallery owner Cordula Mathias will guide viewers on an informative walk through the exhibition highlighting differences and similarities; she will provide short biographical sketches and insight about the artists’ intent and attempt to answer questions from you, the audience.

More information about the exhibition and events can be found on www.mathiasfineart.com.