Painting outside the box


Gallery Review

Painting outside the box

Rainbow Bracey

Assistant Spectrum Editor

Setting the stage for a unique comeback to painting is well worth the short walk from campus. VCU professor of painting Richard Roth’s “Perimeter Check” opened March 5 and continues through April 17 at the Reynolds Gallery.

Walking through the Reynolds Gallery doors on Main Street reveals an open well-lit gallery space to rival any of the better-known art venues in Richmond.

The exhibit features several mounted boxes varying from 1 1/4 to 4 inches in depth. Each box fabricates its own unique theme though the prevalence of stark, black lines running through each painting. The boxes take on the appearance of everyday boxes—cereal, shoe, and gift boxes, each containing its own special gift. No side is left untouched as Roth explores the advantages of the 3D shape.

The myriad colors bring the viewer into the season, drawing upon nature and popular and commercial culture. From the basic red, white, and black, to neon yellow, orange and pale pink, Roth delves into the spectrum.

His artist statement, available at the gallery, explains the concepts he attempts to explore are product and packaging design, custom cars, nature and fashion. This coincides with the idea that each piece can stand alone.

The use of the edge on several of the boxes credits the technical skill of the artist. He has created an exhibit that can be enjoyed from any angle in the space. The characteristic traits of the boxes varied from a happy cow to a strong red warrior readying for battle. Roth’s meticulous choice of work is evident in the lack of clutter and quality of the displayed pieces. “Inclusion to this set of objects is carefully controlled,” Roth stated in his artist statement. The ones that made the cut leave a lasting impression.

Grade: B+

“Perimeter Check” will be exhibited until April 17 at the Reynolds Gallery located at 1514 West Main St. 355-6553.

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