'Hidden Worlds' Exhibit Challenges Viewers

Today, I visited the Studio Group’s “Hidden Worlds” exhibit at the Watchung Arts Center and was intrigued—and impressed—by what I saw. 

The exhibit depicts "other" worlds perceived through the individual visions of eight artists.  It runs through Feb. 28 and I encourage you to visit while you still can.

 “Every person on earth filters what they experience, sometimes seeing things that others might not notice, but is significant to them,” says Studio Group member and artist, Yvette Lucas.  “In this exhibit we reveal ‘other’ worlds perceived through the individual visions of the artists in our group.  We explore ideas of obscuring and revealing, through abstract, metaphorical and literal means.”

Featuring the work of Susanna Baker, Rayna Gillman, Rachel Leibman, Susan Lisban, Yvette Lucas, Leona Mahler-Sussman, Keely McCool and Lisa G. Westheimer, the “Hidden Worlds” exhibit is the Studio Group’s first show together.

This group of eight serious artists meets regularly on an informal basis to analyze their work, discuss contemporary art, and provide a supportive community to one another.

What's unusual about the group is that none of the artists work in the same medium, and each of their styles is expressed through their chosen practice—including painting, printmaking, fiber, collage, sculpture, ceramic, encaustic and photography. 

While the artistic style and materials vary greatly, the body of work on display reflects the artistic synergy of the group.

The curators of the show, Studio Group members Susanna Baker and Yvette Lucas, took special care in the selection and placement of the artwork to highlight the individual vision and voice of each artist but also reflect the group’s interconnectedness.

And it worked!  As you walk through the exhibit, each piece leads to the next, as in a conversation.

“When we decided to exhibit together, we wondered how our collective work would look; how would our literal and artistic conversations reveal themselves,” says Baker. “Now hung, it is exciting to see how cohesive the show is.  Obviously, being in this group has influenced us all."

 The exhibit at the Watchung Arts Center, at 18 Stirling Road, Watchung, is open Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 3 p.m.; Thursday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 1 to 4 p.m., and Tuesdays by appointment.

For more information, visit the website for the Watchung Art Center by clicking here  or call 908-753-0190.