Dan's Papers - August 8, 2008

Galleries come and go, especially on the East End. One of the most enduring and well loved was the Elaine Benson Gallery in Bridgehampton; no wonder people were sincerely sorry when it closed. After a few years' hiatus, however, it's back again, this time at the Southampton Inn.

The new venue is quite different from the old gallery with its multiple and separate spaces. Yet the new space also places various works in the Inn's individual conference rooms and along the lower level corridors. Moreover, the setting is a comfortable one for viewing as spectators can relax on the couches and chairs.

Some works are old friends, while some represent new directions for their artists. Some pieces may not represent new directions but are ones we haven't seen before. For example, John Capello's cloudscape, "October," with its vibrant colors and broad strokes, is a far cry from his signature sculpture. Yet his penchant for nature remains the same.

Olive Reich's pieces in this show are also somewhat different from her lush and delectable still lifes. Even so, the focus on the senses is still there, much to the artist's credit. There's also a pattern of "hide-and- seek" apparent in the watercolors as diverse birds and insects seem to appear and disappear at once.

Sheila Isham's abstractions, like "Mythic Storm," are not her usual still lifes (or animals) either. Her attention to the sensual aspects of the human experience, however, remains constant.

Jennifer Cross' beach settings qualify as old friends, and it's good to experience her ambiguous ambience. While we are invited into her world, we are also somewhat afraid to enter.

Conversely, Cornelia Foss' small watercolors are gems of gesture and impressionistic enough to make us wish we were a part of her serene scenes. We never want to leave her treasured environs. Dana Little Brown's conch shell is particularly inviting as well, evoking a sense of timelessness and eloquence. Digital photographs by Michael Knigin are rather recent additions to this artist's portfolio; his cloudscapes recall the ambience of Jennifer Cross' paintings. Their expressionistic style conveys an effective sense of power, yet anxiety is generated as well.

On the other hand, Pamela Topham's tapestries from her "Water Music" series are a study in peace and calm. We can easily meditate on Topham's work without missing life's daily routines.

"Landscape Treasures" will be on view until Aug. 19. A reception will be held at the Southampton Inn on Sunday, August 10 from 4-7 p.m..