Dan's Papers - November 23, 2007 - art commentary With Marion Wolberg Weiss

While both Good Conscience and Walk Talk Gallery (featured in last week's Art Commentary) are new to the local art scene, the former is also quite different. First, there's the matter of its location on North Sea Road, surrounded by trees across the street and cars that speed by. Second, it seems to favor diverse styles, subjects and materials, at least in this group show.

Take, for example, Lynne Heffner Ferrante's sculptures in the parking lot, abstract, eye-catching shapes of various materials. Ms. Ferrante's penchant for materials is continued with her abstract assemblages inside the gallery itself, found objects and compositions that strike a surreal, decorative note. Photographs by Michael Knigin are also surreal, larger-than-life portraits of circus performers in Spain and France: clowns, dwarfs, mimes. Their contradictory qualities, both vulnerable and grotesque, are noteworthy as well as intriguing.

Mr. Knigin's heightened realism can be seen in paintings by David Martine, even though the subjects are extremely different. Mr. Martine's Native American figures, captured in posed positions, are also somewhat surreal once we have taken a second look; they are at once from the past, and curiously, from the present. His assemblage of a young woman, complete with real earrings and ferns, creates a bond between youth's purity and nature.

Seascapes/landscapes by Joan Kraisky and Sally Breen represent other styles as well. While Ms. Kraisky's abstractions are accentuated by Impressionism, Ms. Breen's painting lends itself more to Expressionism, leaving behind a combination of mysticism and sheer beauty. What's fascinating about Ms. Kraisky's work is her way of leading the viewer's eye into the painting and even beyond the picture plane. Christine Chew Smith's collages are also about the art of combination: different shapes; materials (like coffee); compositions.

The only aspect that's consistent is the warm fall colors. Ms. Smith's single landscape collage uses more vibrant hues to create a series that's an effective departure from her previous, more representational landscapes. John Capello's carved stone sculptures are gems, particularly appropriate for their celebration of Native American culture, thus complementing David Martine's paintings. Even so, Mr. Capello's works stand on their own merits, no matter what the context. His details in "Equitos" not only show exceptional craftsmanship, but also provide both strength and delicacy to the subject.

The show will be on view at Good Conscience Gallery (848 North Sea Road, Southampton) until Nov. 29. Call 631-726-4663 for weekend hours.

In last week's Art Commentary Walk Tall Gallery was mistakenly referred to as Walking Tall Gallery. We regret this error.