Curator for the show, Catherine Kiewit, explains how “Pushing the Boundaries” evolved from a conversation with local artist David Larsen, an 84-year-old man, who started his painting career at age 62.  “He hesitated to show me his art, because he had never seen anything like it in our gallery before. He said, ‘I don’t do orchards,’ and I was immediately intrigued.”

Larsen, a self-taught artist, paints bold and strikingly colorful images.  Formerly an ad agency owner, David Larsen often served as final editor and his sense of composition followed him in his post-retirement pursuit.  His subject matter ranges from portraits to abstract landscapes, all of which are painted in a style uniquely his own.  

According to Kiewit, some art critics would categorize Larsen’s work as “outsider” art --- a term used to describe art that is wholly unconventional, typically outside the mainstream art world, and motivated by the artists’ unique personal visions. She adds that others might view Larsen’s work as a convergence of abstract expressionism, pop art, and primitivism.

The show marks the first time Larsen has ever shown his work publicly. He says: “I never intended to sell any of my art, but now, after all these years, I’ve got hundreds of images, and I’m running out of room in my home.  Okay!”

Joining Larsen, and helping to “Push the Boundaries” of art will be artists Anne Grgich from Ridgefield, Washington, and Alison O’Donoghue from Portland, Oregon.

Grgich’s pieces, like Larsen’s portraits, are highly unconventional, and make abundant use of rich color. The works of the two artists differ markedly, however, in both shape and texture.   Larsen’s images are generally angular, have a bit of a blocky feel to them, and a flat texture. In contrast, Grgich’s images are more rounded and sensual.  The layers in Grgich’s pieces add depth both physically and cognitively as the viewers reflect on the personality of each character she portrays.

O’Donoghue’s art, which also “pushes the boundaries,” rounds out the show by being altogether different from the works of Larsen and Grgich.  O’Donoghue’s pieces have a rhythmic quality to them, and seem alive with motion. They feature complex images, which O’Donoghue says tells the stories of the shapes, lives, color, people, animals, plants and buildings that surround her.

Kiewit summarizes the show by suggesting it’s an opportunity for all of us to broaden our definition of what art is and who artists are.  “If you’re only interested in seeing pretty pictures of the Gorge, then this is probably not the show for you.  If you’re interested in expanding your artistic palette, and seeing some of the best original, contemporary art being produced in the region, then you should definitely stop by.”

This show is made possible by the generous contributions of the Center’s sponsors for the quarter, Norman and Jeannette Mayer.

Columbia Art Gallery is housed in the Columbia Center for the Arts at 215 Cascade Ave., in Hood River, Oregon. Hours are Wed. through Sun. 11:00 am – 5:00 pm.