Visual & Performing Arts: Art Gallery
THE ANTELOPE VALLEY COLLEGE ART GALLERY PRESENTS
BURNWORKS: PAINTINGS, COLLAGES, AND ARTIST BOOKS
BY AUSTIN STRAUS
Exhibition Dates: February 9 – February 26, 2010
Artist Reception and Poetry Reading: Wednesday, February 17, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
From Burn Book 5
The Antelope Valley College Art Gallery is pleased to present a solo exhibition of works by Austin Straus. The title ‘burnworks’ references Mr. Straus’ technique of systematically burning through layers of paper to create his images. Described by Mr. Straus as ‘sun etching’, this labor intensive process creates images of surprising precision, spontaneity, and richness.
Mr. Straus’ career as a poet is evident in his art. Many of his artist books begin with heavily collaged surfaces that combine clips of words with images, photos, and objects. Deep scars are literally burned through these layers of paper, reversing the additive process of collage. Invoking his Jewish heritage, Mr. Straus describes his burn works and sun etchings as “visual reversals of the book burnings that characterized Nazi Germany—a tribute to the holocaust dead.” Many of these artist books are intensely sculptural. Other pieces are more playful and whimsical, incorporating bright colors and lively figurative and abstract forms.
As a performer of his poetry, Mr. Straus frequently exhibits prints, drawings, and paintings in conjunction with readings at libraries, community arts centers, galleries and other venues. His work is collected by the Ruth and Marvin Sackner Archive of Visual and Concrete Poetry in Miami, Florida, the Athenaeum in La Jolla, California, Otis Parsons in Los Angeles, and Mills College in Berkeley, California. His poems and illustrations have appeared in art, literary magazines and anthologies including: Alcatraz 3, Artweek, Black Bear, Caliban, Grand Passion, Jacaranda Review, Poetry Flash, and Red Dance Floor. His book of poems, DRUNK WITH LIGHT, for which he did the cover art, was published by Red Hen Press, 2002. His second book of poems INTENSIFICATIONS, for which he also did the cover art, was published by Red Hen Press in January 2010.
Gallery Hours
Mon. through Thurs. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Fri. Noon - 9 p.m., Sat 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
661.722.6300, extension 6215
Upon request 3 business days before the event, reasonable
accommodation will be provided to facilitate the participation of
covered individuals with disabilities.
Call 661.722.6360 (voice)
or 661.722.6362 (TDD).