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Barrett Gallery to Feature Work of Merrill Steiger

Artist Known for Abstract Cosmographic Paintings

Contact - cleogrande@utica.edu

Utica, NY (10/15/2010) - The Edith Langley Barrett Fine Art Gallery at Utica College will present a selection of abstract cosmographic paintings by New York-based artist Merrill Steiger from Oct. 28 through Nov. 20.

An artist’s reception, which is free and open to the public, will be held Monday, Nov. 8 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

In the "Unseen Universes" series, Steiger fuses microscopic and aerial scientific imagery and mandalan elements to create a vibrant visual architecture evocative of a peace still possible in life in the 21st century. Paintings construct a cosmic architecture inspired by cultures of the world. In much of her large-scale work, Steiger incorporates dots to designate a liminal zone between waking and dream worlds; much as is done in Aboriginal Art. With the dots, Steiger has created a visionary pointillist universe where everything is both real and imaginary, seen with the naked eye and envisioned in the mind’s eye at once. Throughout her work, Steiger fuses microcosm and macrocosm in order to encompass the universe in her meditations.

Steiger effortlessly fluctuates the scale of space and bursts of color. In "Five Trees," microscopic filigree disturbed by the passage of an amoeba simultaneously appear as the eponymous ‘five trees’ guarding a green forest pond. Steiger embodies a visuality (informed by exemplars like James Rosenquist and Elizabeth Murray) that comes off the canvas and embraces the viewer.

Because Steiger is personally involved in spiritual exercises, art for art’s sake is not in her aesthetic vocabulary. Steiger said, “By helping to still the train of thought that dominates the conscious mind, meditation opens us to the deeper mysteries of our inner selves.” Accordingly, Steiger’s canvases are strongly centered in order. Order evokes the subconscious energy said by mystics to flow from power spots in nature or in the mind as well.

Steiger was born and raised in New York City, receiving her BFA from Lehman College and attends the Art Students’ League. She is a member of the National Association of Women Artists. Traveling extensively throughout the world in support of her art, and having resided in Japan, Steiger currently lives in New York City and in Woodstock, N.Y.

The exhibit is organized through Katharine T. Carter and Associates. The Barrett Art Gallery is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www/utica.edu/culture.