Westport Artist’s New Solo Exhibition Examines Psychological Effects of War
Marlene Siff. Truth, Politics,Lies. Acrylic on Linen
August 22, 2018 – Westport, CT: Peace, the universal, elusive quest of mankind has been a major inspiration for artist Marlene Siff in recent years. It has resulted in a body of work entitled “Elements of Peace”, a part of which will be shown as a solo exhibition in the Polly Addison Gallery at the Dairy Arts Center in Boulder, CO, August 24 through October 7, 2018.
The public opening reception is Friday, August 24 from 5 to 7 p.m.
The exhibition includes 5 large multi-dimensional paintings. Although best known for her vivid explosions of color for which she is recognized, these 5 works feature Siff’s black and subtle,
meditative white constructions.
“White represents an environment associated with peace and rest.
It is soft, quiet, spiritual, unadorned and full of infinite possibilities. Scientifically a white surface reflects light of the entire color spectrum. Conceptually the act of keeping a painting white became an exercise in self-restraint and sacrifice, indicative of my need to somehow respond to war and symbolically
give something of myself.”
The metaphor of a perfect union is the pulse of the series and speaks to the formal and
conceptual concerns of the paintings. A union between people of all races, creeds and religions
is necessary for contemporary society to experience peace, just as a union between colors is
necessary for the color white to be experienced.
Marlene Siff at the studio
Marlene Siff sees her work as a means of giving form to states of mind. The collection
represents issues and emotions that war evokes and the complex search for alternative
solutions.
“I want to engage the viewer in a dialogue,” Siff said. “Abstract art requires viewers to study
and interpret it for themselves. I hope that “Elements of Peace” raises questions about peace
and its attainability. My goal is to create spaces for people of all walks of life to come together
and reflect on war and peace.”
A 53-year resident of Westport, CT, Marlene has been an active member of the art
communities in the tri-state and the New York City regions. Her work has won many awards
and been exhibited in museums, galleries and universities throughout the U.S. and abroad.
In conjunction with the opening reception, the Dairy will present a gun violence panel at 6:30
pm, followed by a screening of the film Newtown at 7:30 pm. The panel is in collaboration with
Colorado Ceasefire, whose mission is “Working for Freedom from Gun Violence.” The panel
intends to inform and discuss the issue of gun violence from multiple perspectives. Included will
be Tom Mauser, a Ceasefire board member, whose son was killed at Columbine High School
and Officer David Kaufman from the Boulder police department.
Marlene Siff. Truth, Politics,Lies. Acrylic on Linen
