Announcing our next exhibit: Still. Life.

Experience interpretations of “Still Life” by regional artists at Albany Center Gallery

Exhibiting Artists: Paul Chapman, Matt Chinian, Robert Gullie, Harry Orlyk, Andrew Pellettieri, Corey Pitkin, Takeyce Walter, and Robert Whiting

Exhibit Dates: October 30 to November 24, 2018

Opening Reception: 1st Friday, November 2, 5 to 8 p.m.

Exhibit Sponsors: William Harris, Esq. & Holly Katz, New York State Council on the Arts, ParkAlbany, and the Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts Festival.

Albany, New York - From October 30 to November 24, 2018, Albany Center Gallery will present Still. Life. featuring the work of regional artists Paul Chapman, Matt Chinian, Robert Gullie, Harry Orlyk, Andrew Pellettieri, Corey Pitkin, Takeyce Walter, and Robert Whiting. An artists’ opening reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on 1st Friday, November 2, 2018, and the public is encouraged to attend. As always, the exhibit is free and open for the public.

Still. Life. brings together eight regional artists to showcase their interpretation of the words and concept of “still life.” Whether represented through stark barnyards devoid of life, textured scenic oil landscapes, traditional posed still life pieces, painterly depictions of everyday objects, or abstract imaginative collaged scenes, the artists in Still. Life. convey their unique perceptions of the ambiguous phrase in their signature styles.

Paul Chapman is prolific in his depiction of a variety of subjects including the human figure, nature, industrial landscapes, and still lifes of everyday objects. He often creates hyper-realistic, close-up paintings of objects like toast, tin foil, and leaves. Though his paintings could be considered photorealist, their essence is surreal, not unlike other artists showcased in this exhibition. Of his work the artist says, “Each painting that I do will have the sense of a suspended animation of a moment.” Chapman worked in the Queensbury School District for over 35 years, and retired to be the Chairman of the High School Art Department.

Matt Chinian’s canvases are rich with texture, and portray a style similar to post-impressionist painters of the early twentieth century. He is motivated primarily by the landscapes that he encounters around upstate New York. He is drawn to the simplicity of his everyday environment and seeks to find the “beauty and the sublime” in that which might be overlooked or only glimpsed in passing. After receiving an MFA at the University at Albany, Chinian has shown all over New York and and throughout the Northeast.

Robert Gullie is a locally-based artist known for his mixed media collages and photographs that evoke elements of surrealism, “reminiscent of being unexpectedly stirred from a dream.” His eccentric works are playful, vibrant worlds that evolve out of vintage and popular print media juxtaposed with history and contemporary folk art painting techniques. Gullie has shown work in the Capital Region and beyond for over 20 years, and currently works in a studio space in The Church in Troy, NY.

Andrew Pellettieri is a minimalist painter, crafting a series of farm scenes with a controlled, muted palette. He portrays decomposing buildings and nearly empty landscapes that suggest the presence of humans without portraying them. His work “draw attention to the simple dignities of everyday objects, and the ways our belongings speak of our existence, with or without our presence.” Pellettieri has shown his work throughout the Capital Region, including at the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy, and the Columbia County Council on the Arts in Hudson.

A master renderer and predominantly self-taught artist, Corey Pitkin’s work is a nod to both Renaissance and Impressionism through foggy yet highly detailed paintings. He explores how memories become distorted daydreams over time, sequences fallen out of place and supplemented with imagined details. He paints reimagined ideas or scenes, “reshaping smaller worlds into the better place that I remember.” Pitkin currently lives in Broadalbin and can be found in his studio or conducting workshops on portraiture and painting techniques.

Harry Orlyk is well-learned in the art of painting landscapes, in sync with nature and the changing of seasons. He is a plein air painter, and he dons the necessary jackets to create in all sorts of weather. He values process over product, striving to become a part of nature and allowing his relationship with earth to show him where his next painting will be. “Each painting entails facing a swath of creation and observing something of its story, becomes a long log of small truths.” He claims his work is a “Quest for the spiritual.” Often referred to as a “Man of the land,” Orlyk is a native of Troy, NY, has shown work across the Northeast, and has had over 100 solo exhibitions to date. 

Takeyce Walter showcases bright color usage, which speaks to her reverence for the glory of nature. Water, wind, and air are her subjects. In contrast, she also creates simple images of avocados, clementines, and various other small fruits. Walter is voracious in her creation; she gives herself the opportunity to create art everyday. Walter holds various teaching jobs at local organizations, including at the local art supply store Arlene’s Artist Materials. She is also an Associate Member of American Women Artists and juried member of The Oakroom Artists, just a few of many organizations that have discovered her verve for the arts.

There is an aura of mystery that surrounds Robert Whiting’s work. He uses tromp l’oeil, (trick of the eye) and is in love with creating illusions. He works to deceive the viewer, entertain them with subtle humor, and give an insider’s look into his life. Whiting also has been known to put cameos of himself in his paintings, so be on the lookout for hidden intrigue. He is a long time admirer of old master painters and seeks to pay homage to them while reflecting on more current themes. Whiting’s artwork has been included in many exhibitions of the American Artists Professional League as well as various local solo and group exhibitions.

Still. Life. will be on display at Albany Center Gallery from Tuesday, October 30 through Saturday, November 24, and will feature the work of regional artists Paul Chapman, Matt Chinian, Robert Gullie, Harry Orlyk, Andrew Pellettieri, Corey Pitkin, Takeyce Walter, and Robert Whiting. The exhibit will kick off with an Opening Reception on 1st Friday, November 2, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. The exhibit is sponsored by William Harris, Esq. & Holly Katz, New York State Council on the Arts, ParkAlbany, and the Albany Wine and Dine for the Arts Festival.