Neil Britton Art Gallery; H.C. Hofheimer II Library
Artist’s Reception: October 4th from 3:00pm to 5:00pm (Refreshments Provided, Free and Open to the Public)
The exhibition "Affinities and Differences" will highlight a selection of paintings and mixed media works by artists James Williams and John Rudel. It invites viewers to explore how information and expressionism emerge through the distinct visual languages of these two contemporary abstract painters. Despite their friendship spanning over twenty years, this will be the first time their works are showcased together.
“Abstract painting is a curious endeavor, as it involves a process of visual discovery. In creating such paintings, artists are guided by intuition and aesthetic sensibilities, often unsure of the final outcome until it gradually emerges. We engage in a form of language creation where the elements of art serve as our grammar. This exhibition is particularly intriguing as it juxtaposes two unique languages of abstraction side by side, allowing visitors to appreciate each piece within a context that encourages comparisons between the two bodies of work, potentially leading to deeper insights.” –John Rudel
James Williams is the Professor of Art and Chair of the Visual Arts Department at Tidewater Community College. John Rudel is a Professor of Art, Curator of Exhibitions, and Director of Undergraduate Research and Creativity at Virginia Wesleyan University. Their friendship began during their high school years in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, in the 1990s.
