Dennis Beach (foreground to rear wall): Spins #3, Fallen Column, Spins #2, Drift

Sept. 9-Dec. 11: 'COLOR/form' exhibition

Exhibition of works by McLaughlin, Beach to transform Old College Gallery

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9:45 a.m., Aug. 17, 2015--The University Museums at the University of Delaware will present the exhibition “COLOR/form: Dennis Beach/Donald McLaughlin,” on view Sept. 9 through Dec. 11 in the Old College Gallery.

“COLOR/form” brings together the work of painter/sculptor Dennis Beach and painter Donald McLaughlin and to transform the stately space of Old College Gallery into a celebration of color, from the bright hues of Beach’s sculpted ribbons to McLaughlin’s reinvention of Kirchner’s sophisticated Berlin streets, and from the cacophony of a clown country to the flickering movement of spinning color. 

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For both artists, “COLOR/form” represents a homecoming, an opportunity for them to display several of their works in one of the places where they once studied. Beach received a master of fine arts degree from the University in 2005 and McLaughlin a bachelor of fine arts degree from UD in 1979.

Working mainly in plywood, Beach creates a module that is repeated to become a foundation for the interplay of the bright acrylic color. Like the colors themselves, the results are electric.

McLaughlin opens new vistas by painting on linen, with lines curved and straight, with colors flat and modulated, with forms that might float free or collide.

In contrast to the polished color surfaces of Beach’s works, which belie the application of the paint by hand, McLaughlin leaves clues – drips of pain along the linen’s edge or the unfinished strokes of a foreground flag, bringing viewers back to the substance of his medium.

There will be a reception with the artists, followed by a dance performance courtesy of a collaborative ensemble from the UD dance minor and Hope College dance department, on Tuesday, Sept. 15, with the artist talks beginning at 5 p.m. 

Those who plan to attend should RSVP via email at universitymuseums@udel.edu or by calling 302-831-8037.

About the artists 

Dennis Beach is represented by the Schmidt Dean Gallery of Philadelphia. His past exhibitions include solo exhibitions at the Schmidt Dean Gallery and Space Available in Brooklyn, and his work is in several collections including Comcast, Dansko and the Delaware Art Museum. 

Donald McLaughlin is represented by the Howard Scott Gallery of New York, where he shows regularly. His work is represented in several major collections, including the Eli Broad Family Foundation, Los Angeles; the Museo Rufino Tamayo, Mexico City; Pepsico, Chicago; and the Prudential Insurance Co., Newark, New Jersey. 

About University Museums

University Museums seeks to enhance the educational and scholarly mission of the University of Delaware through the exhibition, online presentation, study, preservation and growth of its unique collections in 20th and 21st century American art (with particular strengths in the Brandywine School, African American art and photography), minerals and pre-Columbian ceramics. 

University Museums enriches cultural life beyond the campus through presentation of the work of recognized artists, and through outreach programs to selected audiences, including K-12 students, educators and historically black colleges and universities.

Admission to all University Museums exhibitions and events is free and open to the public. RSVP for events as requested.

Guided tours are available by request. To book a tour, call 302-831-8037 or write to universitymuseums@udel.edu.

Museum hours are noon-8 p.m. on Wednesdays, noon-5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. The museums are closed during University breaks and holidays.

For general information, call 302-831-8037 or visit the University Museums website.

Photo by Kathy F. Atkinson

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