CORVALLIS, Ore. – “Deep Roots of Shapes,” an exhibition of paintings and sculpture by artist Robert Schlegel, is on display in the Strand Gallery at Oregon State University through September 6.
The exhibition, presented by Oregon State’s College of Agricultural Sciences’ “Art About Agriculture” program, is open to the public on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. It is also open from 3:30-5 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month to coincide with the Corvallis Art Walk, or by appointment.
A reception is scheduled for 3:30-5:30 p.m. on July 25, with remarks from the artist scheduled at 4 p.m.
The exhibition explores observations of agricultural structures near Schlegel’s home in Washington County, Oregon. It presents his quest for shapes in landscapes and youthful spontaneity as mixed media artworks on paper and assemblage sculptures from found materials.
This is the artist’s first solo gallery showing as part of the Art about Agriculture program, though he has had several pieces shown in past exhibits with other artists and one of his originals is on permanent installation on the first floor of Strand Agriculture Hall.
“The gestural evolution of Schlegel’s work is fascinating,” said Owen Premore, directing curator of the Art About Agriculture program. “The intentional playfulness of his lines, color, and material choices creates a feeling of optimism, appreciation for his subjects, and explores potentials found within reclamation.”
The works date back to nearly two years ago as Schlegel continued his practice of sketching the landscapes near his home.
“The structures represent the sustained presence of the farming community over many generations,” Schlegel said. “In that time, the structures themselves become sculpted by the environmental elements, yet they remain as testament to the essential role farming has in all our lives.”
The Art about Agriculture program at Oregon State University has been a part of the College of Agricultural Sciences since 1983 and encourages artists to investigate the visual resources of science and practice that sustain human life: agriculture.
The gallery is located in 440 Strand Agriculture Hall, 170 SW Waldo Place, Corvallis.
College of Agricultural Sciences
About the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences: Through its world-class research on agriculture and food systems, natural resource management, rural economic development and human health, the College provides solutions to Oregon’s most pressing challenges and contributes to a sustainable environment and a prosperous future for Oregonians.
Heidi Happonen, 541-737 9180, [email protected]
Owen Premore, 541-737-5534, [email protected]
