Art Commentary

by Marion Wolberg Weiss

“Love Bush”

The current exhibit by Richard Mayhew is perfectly described with the title, "Transcendental Landscapes," a title carrying complicated connotations. When all is said and done the viewer feels transcended.

That's quite a feat, but what's also fascinating is the application of such a transcendental experience to the arts in general.

While we are overwhelmed by the artist's glorious color and dream-like compositions, we realize that Mayhew's evocation of sensual imagery is the key to his transcendentalism. How this works is part of Mayhew's extraordinary talent and curator Marc Fasanella's sensitivity.

At first glance, we "see" landscape elements (i.e., trees) as figure and ground, as bending toward each other (literally) to suggest a natural "oneness" of all things. In simple terms, there is a "blending" of images in all directions: toward the sky and beyond the picture plane. Again, reinforcement that everything is part of everything else.

Then we begin to experience separate sensual aspects that go beyond this idea of "oneness." There's the peaceful sound in "Summer Serenade," the lively vibes in "Rhapsody," and conversely, the explosive noise in "Transfiguration," as if the trees will blast off at any minute. "Love Bush" is another example of an image that is emotive and "loud."

With the more serene images, we can even smell the bushes in "Spring #2" and "Spring Overture."

And then there's the sensation of texture in "Santa Fe Trail," where the smooth and the rough come together. "Indigenous Spring" conjures up the same textural experience, suggesting the silky grass and coarse rocks.

And yes, there's even the sense of taste. Consider the candy cotton pinks of "Summer Serenade" and "Love Bush" (which looks like cotton candy with its fluffy shape). Mayhew's exquisite use of purples in "Rhapsody" and "Vista" recalls a luscious plum.

Such sensual experiences surely propel us into outer space, and if that isn't transcendence, we don't know what is.

Richard Mayhew's "Transcendental Landscapes" will be on view at the Avram Gallery at Stony Brook Southampton until March 21. Call 631-632-5105 for hours.

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