Art on Main Street
Posted in Art on May 9th, 2010 by Maurice – Be the first to commentI took a ride to upstate New York on Saturday to see my friend Nelson Conde. He was exhibiting two photographs, along with other artists at the Marion Royael Gallery in Beacon, New York. Steven and Barbara Riddle are the owners and they opened the gallery only a few months ago. But it was buzzing with a crowd Saturday night. The gallery is located on Main Street, in a burgeoning art community, still a bit raw. But that’s a good thing. It gives new artists a role in shaping this emerging artist enclave on the Hudson.
Nelson was pointing out one of his photographs, “Balance of Life II.” It’s composed of white mannequins seemingly abandoned on a midtown street, leaning against a building. In the shot, a group of businessmen cross paths with the mannequins. The photograph is interesting symbolically, the mannequins have heads, the businessmen don’t. But the photo composition’s is also striking. You have to just see it.
David O’Shea, another artist who is exhibiting at the Marion Royael, had three masks perched on top of white metal rods. David said his work was inspired by his theater background, his interest in technology, and puppetry. David’s fascinated by science fiction story telling. So he may soon be merging his interests in masks, puppetry and science fiction.
Noma and Jame Bliss, were with a friend at the gallery when I asked them about their work. The two artists teamed up for two paintings in the exhibition. James said his wife did the initial drawing, then he would paint it and Noma would tweak the work.


