118 Elliot presents ‘The Long Way’, an Exhibit of Drawings by artist and musician Aron Namenwirth, which will open with an artist’s reception from 5-9 PM during Brattleboro’s Gallery Walk on Friday, October 6, 2023. Gallery hours are by appointment by writing 118Elliot@gmail.com.
Aron Namenwirth
Drawing, and to a lesser degree, painting, has been a practice Namenwirth has pursued for over 45 years. The concept of the circle has been a recurring subject in his graphic work since its inception. “A collection of the imagery that comes to mind: tree rings, a clock, the moon, the sun, the Earth, the eyes of my beloved, knobs, flowers, pearls, stars, molecules, atoms, targets, as well as abstract ideas such as zero. Other evocations include nipples, waves radiating from a stone skipped across calm water, and much more.” says Namenwirth.
Influenced by artists like Paul Klee, Kenneth Noland, Jake Berthot, Jim McShea, and Tom Moody, drawing and painting was the central focus of his life until about 15 years ago when his passion for growing trees and playing the guitar took precedence and began to influence his approach to his art. This shift followed the passing of his mother, Cynthia Bloom, also a noteworthy painter, in 2008.
“The Long Way”
“The Long Way” exhibition drawings are rooted in the present moment like Zen sand painting. According to Namenwirth: “In my early years, I was always rushing to start my day. I’d rise early and dive into whatever tasks awaited me. I’d rush ahead with a surge of energy and zeal.This body of work embodies the completely opposite approach. I’d tend to all necessary tasks, and only when nothing else clamored for my attention would I slowly begin a drawing or painting. This would come after attending to my trees and music. The aim was to elongate the creative process for as long as possible. The work was in the act of observation. The drawings would evolve like a pot on a pottery wheel, form like a knitted hat, or mature like a tree growing from a seed—watered, repotted, all while it gradually developed. The initial goal was to achieve a rounded and centered form. The true objective, however, was to extend the experience. In approaching my music, I relish venturing into the unknown. Similar to a leisurely walk or a thought-provoking conversation, the journey itself becomes the destination.”
Namenwirth will also curate and perform in a show of free improvised music on October 8th and participate in another on October 28th.
II8 Elliot
II8 Elliot is a collaborative gallery and environment for the creative arts and education. Programming includes film showings, gallery exhibitions, musical performances and conferences as well as physical culture classes. 118 Elliot provides a modern, fully accessible space in the heart of historic downtown Brattleboro for community use at affordable rates. It is home to the National Endowment for the Humanities-supported Brattleboro Words Project and exhibits its interactive Brattleboro Words Trail landscape murals and community audio stories until the murals move to the new Brattleboro Amtrak station as a permanent exhibit opening late 2024.
