Fernando J. Fernandez Jr.
STAFF WRITER
Review
In an era where sculpting and abstract art rule, it is refreshing to see the art of painting is still alive.
The Blaffer Gallery is presenting an array of works by Yishai Jusidman entitled Yishai Jusidman: Pictorial Investigations through March 15. The exhibit includes pieces from his "Astronomer," "Clowns," "Clown Spheres," "Geishas" and "Sumo" series of paintings. The exhibit was organized by the Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles.
This is Jusidman's first time to have a show dedicated to his work. He is a young, aspiring Mexican artist who received his B.F.A. from the California Institute of Art and an M.A. at New York University.
His works challenge the viewer to look at the contrast between the painted surfaces and what they see and interpret.
Jusidman combines the early European style of painting with modern sculpture to represent the past nine years of his young career.
The pieces from the "Clown Spheres" series were my personal favorites. The way he used the surface of the sphere to spread out the different shades of colors on a clown's face made them stand out.
The most mind-challenging pieces in the exhibit had to be the ones from the "Geisha" series. You must examine the art work closely or else you will miss the beautiful lady that is mixed in with the white egg tempera background.
The "Sumo" series pieces were more symmetrical and balanced in nature. He balances the background with the positions of the Sumo wrestlers.
The four pieces from his "Clowns" series portrayed the emotions of four different clowns. They ranged from happy to sad, from curiosity to pain. They were the only works that were not done on wood or spheres, but instead painted on canvas.
The "Astronomer" series of spheres left me wanting more. The work is not bad, but after looking and comparing the spheres with the rest of the works on display, they were not as appealing to the eye.
Overall, the exhibit is a wonderful collection of paintings and sculptures that should be seen. Jusidman contains a tremendous amount of talent.
I strongly recommend taking some time to see an exhibit that is both thought-provoking and inspiring. It will be worthwhile.
The gallery is offering a "Brown-Bag" lunch tour of the exhibit at noon on Thursday Feb. 12, guided by Dr. Don Bacigalupi, Director and Curator of the Blaffer Gallery. It is free and open to the campus. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can call 743-9528 to reserve a place.
The gallery is open from Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.