Robert T. Cooke at The Artspace

The Artspace Gallery in Stroudsburg, PA held an Opening Reception featuring the drawings and sculpture of Robert T. Cooke on Sunday January 17th. In spite of the rainy chill of the weather, a sizable crowd gathered to experiences the pieces offered. They consisted of a multidimensionality which conveyed a complex simplicity both pleasing to the eye and challenging to the intellect.

Many of the two dimensional pieces presented in the exhibit were aligned with the three dimensional work which were created in close chronological proximity. This placement enhanced the work’s impact upon the viewer as it hinted at the artist’s perspective in regards to his creative process. Examination of each work and it’s corresponding piece offered revelations what was in the artist’s mind while exploring their differences as well as their similarities. A rare glimpse to be savored as one appreciated the work.

There were also pairings of three and two dimensional works based upon themes. One theme were those relating to the 1946 film, “Beauty and the Beast (La Belle et la Bête)” which was an early film adaptation of Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont's fairy tale and directed by French Jean Cocteau. The work captured the surreal qualities of the film with it’s depictions of Belle the beauty in one dimensional drawings with the beast portrayed in sculpture. This gives the impression there is more to the depth of our beastly natures than those aspects we associate with beauty.

There were many such pieces offering similar opportunities for introspection. The exhibition continues until February 15th. Please Contact The Artspace Gallery at 570-476-4460 for more information about this exhibit and all they have to offer. You’ll find more photographs in The Forwardian Arts Society Visual Arts 2010 Gallery at www.myspace.com/forwardian_arts.

The Website and email address of those mentioned in this article are The Artspace Gallery at www.artspacegallery.net and Robert T. Cooke at rtcabc@verizon.net.