The Gallery on Greene

Scott Gruppe “Expressions” Scott Gruppe’s public exhibition, “Expressions” opens Saturday April 2^nd from 6-9 at the Gallery on Greene. Gruppe’s latest abstract expressionist works express the credo of “The Self” with a passion!” ”I’ve been painting like a maniac.” He relates. “I’ve gone a step beyond and up with black enamel drips.” “Animals are a new element as well.” He continued. “He’s been painting since 1982, a third generation painter, of renown Gloucester painters.” Says Nance Frank, Director of the Gallery on Greene. “This show is strictly oil on a variety of media; tile, canvas, wood and glass.” She recounts. “Painting is a family affair and I must paint to keep sane.” Scott says. “I have to paint on a daily basis!” “Painting is the life blood on both sides of my family.” “I went to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts School, like my mom, but only for one semester, she graduated, I couldn’t take it.” “My painting is different, risk taking, Key West used to be out there, but I don’t see it anymore.” “Artists need to be taking chances.” He continues. “Life without risk is a life not worth living.” Is what Van Gogh said.
Abstract Expressionism is a term first used in connection with Kandinsky in 1919, but more commonly associated with post-war American art. The term is used to refer to all types of non-geometric abstraction. There are two distinct groups within the movement: Color Field artists like Rothko, who worked with simple, unified blocks of color; and gestural painters like Pollock, and De Kooning who made use of Surrealist techniques of automatic art. Not all expressionist artist produce either purely abstract work Scott Gruppe prefers the term Action Painting The the artistic philosophy, these painters are influenced by Existentialist ideas, which emphasized the importance of the act of creating, not of the finished object.
Most expressionist have a Surrealist background, and seek to express their subconscious through their art. They also shared an interest myth, ritual and memory inspired by ethnic art of Africa, South America and Asia. There are hints of this in all of Scott’s work. He lived in one of the most important art nexus of the world, Basel, Switzerland where his career in art began two decades ago. “de Kooning, is one of artists I most admire.” Relates Scott He was all about change and creativity and a real maverick.” “Museums would ask him to do shows but wouldn’t exhibit until he thought the body of work was ready,” “He didn’t let the market or museums pressure him.” “He lived very poor for a long time, he was so poor that once his dog ate a bar of soap.” Scott’s work will be on display at the Gallery on Greene until April 9^th. For more information please call: 305-294-1669 or galleryongreene@bellsouth.net.
The Dog in You