Measuring Mediums

Just off East Main Road, set amidst densely canopied trees and old hand-laid stone walls is "Montanaro Contemporary Arts," an art gallery space owned and operated by director, and former Aquidneck Island resident, Michael Montanaro.

Turning off the road and pulling behind the gallery, one can nearly tune out the din of automobiles rushing by. The setting of the gallery is almost bucolic, save the traffic and shopping plaza next door, and is further punctuated by the building it is housed in - an old converted barn complete with enormous sliding doors.

Entering the barn, one must climb the two flights of stairs to reach the gallery itself.  The space is a refreshing and welcome departure from the typical square room with whitewashed walls one might encounter in a more traditional art gallery, and the creaky floors and vaulted ceiling only add a complimentary touch to each piece of carefully hung artwork. The most current show, called "Measuring and Collecting," is in progress through Aug. 14.

This eclectic show is a collection of original paintings and mixed media works by 20 young emerging artists, in addition to selections of works by their established contemporaries, including Doze Green and Shepard Fairey, most noted for his viral Andre the Giant "Obey" street campaign.

Montanaro is especially excited about the show because he says it "… pushes the boundaries of mixed aesthetics, juxtaposing fine art, pop-surrealist art, urban art and lowbrow art."

The flow of the show clearly demonstrates Montanaro's experience and expertise curating contemporary art. Each piece of art flows smoothly to the next and although each artist brings a very distinctive flavor to the show, the pieces manage to simultaneously play off one another in an almost symbiotic relationship.

Jesse Reno, a featured artist whose totemic, almost wraithlike, piece names the show, produces otherworldly creations evoking native forest spirits and shamans.

In stark contrast to Reno's subdued colors and darker imagery are a series of pieces inspired by Peruvian petroglyphs created by Providence artist Andrew Sloan. Sloan, who utilizes bright, bold colors on found pieces of wood and other mediums, crafts a cheerful vibe reminiscent of street art.

In the same vein, pieces by Andrew Jacob burst with color and incorporate both graffiti and traditional Japanese imagery while also managing to communicate a fluid surf-like energy. 

The show is well worth a visit and has a little something for everyone.

Since there are 20 artists in the show, Montanaro encourages viewers to draw their own connections and parallels between each piece of artwork and artists. This is a very intriguing aspect of the show because it compels the viewer to use different perspectives and offers a more interactive experience.

If you missed the opening reception, don't worry, you're still in luck, as the gallery will be open to the public on select weekends through Aug. 14 and is also available for viewing by appointment.

For more information on the artists featured, or to obtain detailed information regarding gallery hours, please visit www.montanarogallery.com.