(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)March 13, 2006

(Mahwah) – A group exhibition of artists whose work incorporates circles will be presented in the Kresge Gallery at Ramapo College of New Jersey Wednesday, March 29 and continuing through May 3.  An opening reception will be held from 5 – 7 p.m.  An artists’ talk will begin at 6 p.m.

The exhibit was curated by Matthew Fisher and Christina Vassallo, co-founders of MatCh-Art.  They selected a group of artists working in a diverse range of media to explore the circle in contemporary art.  Used as a formal and conceptual device, the circle embodies infinity, which can mean external existence or endless ennui.  In art and in life, the circle’s perfection is a sought-after goal, but an unattainable idea.  Many of the artists included in the exhibition already incorporate the circular format into their work to confront these issues, while others were challenged to work with the shape specifically for this exhibition.

Artists whose work will be included in the show are Lisa Beck, Louis Cameron, Moriah Carlson, Orly Cogan, Mark Dagley, Joel Edwards, Rob Grunder, Francis Holstrom, Sharon Horvath, Jim Houser, Jasper Johns, Chris Kasper, Laura Ledbetter, Jim Lee, Monique Luchetti, Noah Lyon, Andrew Masullo, Rob Matthews, Derick Melander, Tom Moody, Matthew Northridge, John Phillips, James Rosenthal, Savako, Randall Sellers, Mark Shetabi, Jordan Tinker, John Torreano, Alice Wu, B. Wurtz and Nami Yamamoto.

During the Italian Renaissance, the circle was considered to be a divinely inspired shape and throughout the fourteenth century the tondo (Italian for round) was reserved for religious icons or allegorical scenes.  In neo-Platonic thought, the circle epitomized the perfectibility of man.  However, circular canvases have assumed a kitschy appeal.  Sensing that serious art might not be restricted to right angles and straight lines, MatCh-Art decided to investigate whether artists were making thought-provoking and engaging work with shapely objects or perimeters.   This exhibition is a collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures and installations that serve as an ode to the circular form.

Artist Matthew Fisher and art writer Christina Vassallo have paired to form MatCh-Art.  The duo has created several online exhibitions for their Website and coordinated group shows for non-profit organization, galleries and art fairs.  The exhibition was originally featured at the Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts (SICA) in Long Branch, NJ.

This program is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Kresge Gallery is located in the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts at Ramapo College.  Gallery hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 1 to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, 1 to 7 p.m.  For more information, call 201.684.7147.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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