ABSTRACT/NON-OBJECTIVE Show September – November 2023

  1st Place 

Vicki Vanover

PINKSCRIPTION

Mixed Media

24”X24”

2nd Place

Stephen Hellweg

City On The Sea; 2022

48 X 24

Acrylic

3rd Place

Bryan S. Welborn

Cool Clear Water

Denim and Acrylic on Canvas

16 X 20

Honorary Mentions

Carlo Busceme IV

Ed Esclovon

James Parfait

Juror

Andy Coughlan

Judge Honorarium Statement by Andy Coughlan

Abstract art is defined in the dictionary as art that does not attempt to represent external

reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colors, and textures. So, as a juror,

how does one differentiate between abstract works. What makes a piece “good”? If a work is

not attempting to represent reality, how does one know if the artist has accomplished his goal?

For me, the preceding idea is flawed. I am not interested in philosophizing about what the artist

is trying to say. Abstract art exists for its own sake. That is not to say that the artist is without

intention, just that I cannot know that. Therefore, my role as the viewer is to respond to the

work on a visceral level. I walk around looking at the work from a distance, waiting for the

pieces to reach out and attract me. Once a short list is compiled, I look at them again.

What am I looking for? The answer is both simple and complex. I am looking for the works that

challenge me, that invite me to ask questions without giving me answers. The pieces I selected

for awards did that.

This was a hard show to judge, much harder than I expected as there were many that appealed

to me by many different artists. On another day, my choices may have been different but that is

needless speculation. The pieces chosen were for this time.

Vicki Vanover’s “Pinkscription” is endlessly fascinating, and I still don’t know why. Which is why

I like it. It is decorative but also alluring. It simple, yet the tiny details or the beads on the lines

are perfectly placed. Each time I visited it I saw new things and I looked forward to returning to

it.

Stephen Hellweg’s “City on the Sea” had a different effect. The lovely bold shapes and colors

demand one’s attention. It also reminds me of early 20 th century Expressionism. I don’t look at

the titles until I have made a shortlist. In this case, the title adds to the piece. As someone who

grew up in a city by the sea, I can feel the painting’s vibe.

Bryan Welborn’s “Cool Clear Water” is subtle and evocative. I am a sucker for texture, and this

piece uses it to beautiful effect. Like the water it is meant to evoke, there is something

meditative about standing in front of it and allowing oneself to get lost in the soft textures.

The three honorable mentions all fit the theme of inviting the viewer to spend time with them.

Ed Esclovon’s “Flow to the Center” invites us to do just that. The lines lead us into the void

where we can lose ourselves.

Carlo Busceme’s “Place to Go to Learn to Leave” is small in size but enormous in scale. Like an

ancient cave wall, the various marks imply a sense of history waiting to be discovered.

James Parfait’s “Untitled 2” is playful in its complexity. Sometimes, one just wants to look at a

work and smile.

If a work was not chosen to place, it is important to understand that does not mean it has no

value. I am delighted at the turnout for the show. I truly believe that a work of art only properly

exists when it is seen. I hope all the artists here know they were seen by me.