“Desi Koy”
A solo exhibition of drawings, paintings and mixed-media imagery
by Gretchen Beck, M.F.A.

Exhibition:
October 3, 2011 – January 12, 2012
Opening reception with the artist Thursday, October 6, 2011 6-8pm

Left:         Icerey Taka – charcoal and oil on paper
Right:       Jiiney Ib II – Diptych – oil, charcoal and graphite

For the imagery Beck produces as an artist, she conducted extensive research in Niger, West Africa where she lived and traveled for many years.  Her art involves the study of different aspects of the Nigerien landscape, the Djarma and Fulani cultures and the art forms they create.  Through this study, she’s been committed to the advancement of abstraction, portraying concepts of ritual and tradition within the social structure of Nigerien culture.

The titles of Beck’s images and exhibitions are presented in the Djarma language. The Djarma people speak Djarma in Niger, West Africa. The titles she uses refer to different modes of expression, as well as the colorful and vibrant parts of the Nigerien culture.  The titles give her imagery a sense of texture that allows the viewer to contemplate a possible meaning of the words in relation to the art she creates.

Beck’s drawings, paintings and mixed-media have been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions at galleries throughout the United States and abroad including Paris, France; Liverpool, England; London, England; Cardiff, Wales and, of course, Niger, West Africa.

Beck served as Professor of Art, Chair of the Art Department and was a faculty member at Concordia University in Irvine, CA for eleven years.  There, she taught art honors, design, drawing, painting, printmaking and a senior art seminar.  Her education combines the teaching of form in relation to content and her students are encouraged to develop distinct artistic methods through art history, field research and extensive travel.

Zankatarey
oil on wood

Icerey Turi-Nya
oil on wood

Icerey Bene
oil on wood

If you would like more information regarding this exhibit, or FP3, please contact FP3 today!