FENN GALLERY OF CONTEMPORARY ART ANNOUNCES
“CONVERSATIONS IN COLOR”

Woodbury - April 1, 2005 Fenn Gallery presents “Conversations in Color”, featuring monotypes, watercolors and collage by Tracey O’Connell Sperry and sculpture by Joseph Fucigna, on view through May 8. The public is invited to an Artist Reception on Saturday, April 2 from 4-6 pm.

This exhibit explores two different methods of expression using the interplay between color, texture and scale. Using neon colored plastic industrial fencing and cable ties, Joseph Fucigna creates wall sculptures on a grand scale reminiscent of the large paintings of the later abstract expressionists. Fucigna’s sculptures achieve a balanced synthesis of order and chaos, a steel grid providing a foundation for woven layers of twisting mesh and plastic fencing strips in colors
ranging from orange and chartreuse to black, blue and purple. Up close, the sculptures seem hard edged and prickly, stand back and the rounded forms become mysterious soft masses. Among the work on display is “Burning Bush”, a large cloud like formation of intricately layered orange fencing strips studded with green and blue cable ties, which mound and then gracefully cascade downward. The effect is provocative, engaging and energizing; the temptation to touch almost irresistible. Mr. Fucigna’s work has been displayed at the United Nations, the Katonah Museum of Art, Stamford Museum of Art, Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, and in galleries in NY, CT and NJ. He was recently
commissioned by Cingular Wireless to create a 12 foot rendition of their trademark double jack.

Tracey O’Connell Sperry’s visual language employs color, composition and texture to create a meditative mood. Using a combination of painting and printmaking techniques, sometimes loose and flowing, other times hard edged, Sperry creates highly expressive compositions which combine abstract elements with organic references. Among the work on display is “April in Chatham”, a dreamlike skyscape comprised of overlapping watercolor washes ranging from deep mediterranean blue to the color of reflected snow. The cool palette and small scale invite the viewer’s quiet contemplation. Tracey likes her work to be free and to be what someone else may see in it, to perhaps rediscover peaceful
moments in their lives. She resides in Washington, CT and is a member of the Monotype Guild of New England, and the Print Makers of Cape Cod. Her award winning work has been highlighted in juried shows throughout New England including the Cape Cod Museum of Fine Arts.