Derivatives: Origins in Geometry at Museum of Geometric and MADI Art through October 2

Derivatives: Origins in Geometry
at Museum of Geometric and MADI Art through October 2
by Todd Camplin

When I first moved to Dallas, I noticed a strange building with colorful geometric
shapes jetting off the surface. I soon learned this was the Museum of Geometric
and MADI Art. Artist, Carmelo Arden Quin envisions an art that focuses on the
playful use of geometric shapes. Over fifty years later, this art movement is still
making an impact and especially right here in Dallas, because of the art collect.

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The MADI Museum also taps local talent to feature artists still working in the ideas of MADI.
Their current exhibition, Derivatives: Origins in Geometry juried show brought together
twenty-nine artists that work in the spirit of playful use of geometric shapes. The juror,
Vincent Falsetta, was perfect for the job, because of his own innovative use of
structurally vibrating shapes and lines.

Adela Andea received first place, which was no surprise to me. I have seen Andea’s
work at Cris Worley Fine Art, here in Dallas and at the Anya Tish Gallery in Houston.
Each experience was like seeing a light show, with seemingly random elements
thrown at you visually. Sometimes electric fans were added to give the piece a
little more movement. Andea is sometimes a kinetic, always tech, and a truly
21st century artist.

previous articles
by
Todd Camplin

Adela Andea - Crystalline Structure - 4 x 4 x 7’ - CCFL, Plexiglass, Computer Source, Clay 2011

Charlotte Smith - Side By Side - 12 x 12” Acrylic on Wood Panel 2011

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Orna Feinstein - Arboriform #2 - 29 x 25 x 10” -3D Monoprint on Plexiglass - 2011

Any number of these artists in the show is worth mentioning. The complete list: Paul Abbott,
Shafaq Ahmad, Adela Andea, Lane Banks, Roger Bensasson, Tim Bolt, Diedrick Brackens,
Beti Bricelj, Marc Cheetham, Andrew Decaen, Jeanet Dreskin-Haig, David A. Dreyer,
Sarah E. Duncan, Eric Dyer, Peggy Epner, Orna Feinstein, Garland Fielder, Steve Garfield,
Larry Graeber, Jeanne Heifetz, Julie Holleman, Rebecca Howdeshell, Laura Jennings,
Bernard Klevickas, Dan Lam, Antonio Lechuga, Susan Lecky, Charlotte Smith, Tore Terrasi.
The show is up until October 2nd.

The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
3109 Carlisle Street
Dallas, TX 75204-1194
214.855.7802
www.madimuseum.org

Charlotte Smith received second place, another no brainer. Smith currently has a show
titled “Push” up at Cris Worley. Over the years, I have seen her work continue to evolve
and change at a steady, but very unpredictable rate. I love those trademark little
bumps and notches that seem to grow off her work. This signature style still continues
to fascinate me. Each nodule is so delicate and with a forest of them, they almost
come alive.

Third place went to Orna Feinstein, who had a piece that played some interesting visual
tricks. And to me, Rebecca Howdeshell is a good honorable mention, because the work
is so calming. White, subtle, geometric in nature, likely soft to the touch, and elegantly
minimal; I found Howdelshell work charming and beautiful. She presses into the surface
patterns and shapes that enticed me to move in closer and follow along the lines with
my finger. I, of course, didn’t touch the work, but I wanted to.