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FENN GALLERY ANNOUNCES “LAYERS”, A RICHLY DIVERSE EXHIBIT
WHICH EXPLORES FRESH WAYS OF THINKING ABOUT ART

WOODBURY, CT - Fenn Gallery announces its next exhibit entitled “Layers”, featuring abstract encaustics by Carol Padberg, and the inventive mixed media art of Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz. The show runs from Aug. 4th-Sept. 11, 2005. The public is invited to the Artist Reception on Saturday, August 6th from 4-6 pm.

Exploring the concept of “layers” is at the foundation of both artists’ work; for Padberg it is in the process and for Ruenitz it is in the message. Working with encaustic, Padberg paints and scrapes untold layers of pigmented wax to develop multidimensional surfaces that often include a bas relief quality. Resulting colors can be flat yet intense, or deep and rich with subtle variations. Padberg often
juxtaposes both effects in compositions to create graphically crisp abstract images with both visual tension and quirky humor.

Padberg has a minimalist approach to visual elements, and her lines and shapes often draw upon popular visual culture and even comic books. In a catalog essay, John Ewing states “like a contemporary form of alchemy, Padberg urges a complex experience from the collision of a few, simple ingredients.” Padberg received her MFA from the University of New Mexico, and has exhibited extensively in Chicago, NYC and CT. She is currently an Assistant Professor of Painting at Hartford Art School.

Latin American native Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz finds original methods of mixed media to explore social layers as a universal theme. Using photographs, found objects, and iconic references from her Mexican culture, Ruenitz’s work invites the viewer to consider how our “layers” influence our identity and relationships. “Across Layers” is a silkscreened photograph of a woman arranged in a geometric pattern with overlays of translucent colors in iconic shapes, inspired by paper cutouts used in Mexican festivities. “Human Labels” is a small chest of
labeled drawers, the contents of which a viewer is invited to explore. Ruenitz considers the work to be a metaphor for societal divisions.

Ruenitz received her BA from the Art Center College of Design (LA), and studied at Parsons School of Design, NY, NY and the International Center of Photography. She has exhibited at the Aldrich Museum, Ridgefield, CT, and in numerous other CT and NY venues. She is president of the Women Caucus for the Art - CT, and is a frequent
speaker on the arts.