An Abstract Conversation
Eric Lindell and Ralph A. Hanggi, Jr. Mixed Media Artists
Join us for “An Evening with the Artists” with Eric Lindell and Ralph A. Hanggi, Jr. for a discussion and Q&A on their work and exhibit, “An Abstract Conversation”, in the Kaul Gallery at the Watermark Art Center.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 from 6:30 to 8:00.
EXHIBIT August 11 – Oct 21, 2023
Longtime friends Eric Lindell and Ralph A. Hanggi, Jr. share their work as a single exhibit in “An Abstract Conversation”.
Line, movement, pattern, and repetition are all factors in the underlying dialogue that animates the show. The artists explain that their work comes together as a conversation. Both are concerned with basic formal elements. Lindell prefers three-dimensional constructions, working with positive and negative space and shadow, in contrast to Hanggi’s attention to space in an illusionistic manner. Both achieve resolution but in different ways.
Color becomes a vehicle expressing each artist’s intention. Hanggi’s palette is derived from traditional media; bright, high-key and at times saccharine. Lindell uses surface coloration and is inspired by North Shore basalt outcroppings, naturally occurring lichens and other patinas to inform many of his surfaces, in addition to indigo shibori fabric and detours into brighter colors.
Meet The Artists
Eric’s recent work uses simple elements of pine and cedar square stock and printed paper to create complex visual structures, usually hung on the wall. Aspects of the compositions are hidden and revealed as one moves around the work; shadows cast on the wall add another element to each piece. Color interacts in an abstract way, and becomes its own form of realism.
Ralph’s work continues to investigate abstract visual solutions as they relate to the tondo configurations he has developed over the last several years, emphasizing the circular picture plane with acrylic on shaped canvas. The works main thrust is formal and concerned with line, shape, color, pattern and movement.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota, through a grant from the Region 2 Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Additional funding comes from the Bemidji Area Arts Endowment, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.
