Abstract Reflections | JoAnne Dumas

Abstract Reflections | JoAnne Dumas

Now on display at Roast Coffee and Tea Trading Co. is Abstract Reflections, a solo exhibition featuring the artwork of JoAnne Dumas. The exhibition features select abstract photographs, mounted on panel, of the various Long Island seascapes.

In her artwork, Dumas attempts to capture the ever-changing lights that reflect off the surfaces of different bodies of water. She explores the many shores of Long Island with her camera, before returning to the studio to edit and manipulate the images. The artist finds an endless variety of shapes, patterns, colors, and translucencies that are created by the interplay between light and water. Many of her finished pieces are presented without a frame. This allows them to hang as if they are floating in the exhibition space.

One such work in the exhibition is Silver and Blue #13. Despite it’s abstract, metallic appearance, the work is representative of one of Long Island’s many bodies of water. The rhythmic ebbing and flowing of the cool blue water reflect the sun’s rays that are representative in the brilliant yellows that appears through the composition. On the left-hand side of the piece, just above the central axis, appears to be a disturbance in the water. A ripple-like blemish, probably cased by a dropped object into the water, disrupts the otherwise tranquil scene. On the right-hand side of the photograph are pale, pink and tan reflections of what could be a boat or seaside building. The colors remind the viewer of a late afternoon sunset, sitting on the docks, watching the light dance off the water’s surface.

Another, larger work in the exhibition is Earth Tones #2. As the title suggests, the piece is a splendid display of earth tones. Forest green, brown, pale blue, gray and white blend together in an abstract arrangement. On first glance, it may be difficult to determine the subject matter of the piece. Here, Dumas breaks down the composition and makes the familiar appear unfamiliar. Color, shape and form are the true objects under observation in the piece. As with many works in the exhibition, it is difficult for the viewer to determine a sense of depth within the composition. Many pieces on display appear two-dimensional, as if the photograph was taken directly above the body of water. By concealing the space within the image, the artist brings the viewer’s attention to the abstract qualities of her work.

JoAnne Dumas is a fine artist who lives and works on Long Island, NY. She received her Bachelor and Master degrees from the Pratt Institute in New York City. Dumas previously taught visual arts at SUNY Suffolk County Community College. Her artwork has been exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout New York. She has been the recipient of New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) grants, and has participated in several international artist residencies and symposiums.

The Patchogue Arts Council (PAC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation founded in 2008 to promote, encourage, and support the arts on the greater south shore of the Town of Brookhaven. The Patchogue Arts Council and Roast Coffee and Tea Trading Company created the PAC Members Gallery at Roast in the summer of 2013 as an alternative exhibition venue where PAC members can exhibit their artwork. In addition to exhibiting artwork and brewing award-winning coffee, Roast Coffee and Tea Trading Co. hosts a monthly poetry night on the first Saturday of every month.

Abstract Reflections, featuring the artwork of JoAnne Dumas, is on display at Roast Coffee & Tea Trading Co. from September 24 to November 12, 2017. A reception will be held on Sunday, October 1, from 2 – 4 PM. The reception is free and open to the public.

Jay Schuck
Exhibitions Coordinator & Assistant Curator
Roast Coffee & Tea Trading Co.
41 E. Main Street
Patchogue, NY 11772

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