Exhibitions In Sight

by Burton Wasserman

“Chrysanthemum Greenhouse in Morning Light,” by Tamara Krendel at Widner thru June.
“Variations of human form and many different flowers all figure quite prominently in the two solo offerings currently on view (through June 27) at the Art Museum of Widener University in nearby Chester. Specifically, they consist of paintings by Tamara Krendel in which colorful blossoms appear repeatedly, and sculptures by Anne Oldach in plaster, fiberglass and bronze, embodying 3D presences with such titles as “Mountain Child,” “Wood Nymph” and “Walking Man.”

Dealing directly with subjects as diverse as rhododendrons, delphiniums and day lilies, Krendel exercises considerable poetic license, freely transforming the shape of growing plants and botanical settings in which they’re found into oil and watercolor compositions rippling with light and patterns of excitement. Poetic transcriptions of her most naked perceptions, these pictures are not observations based on external realities as much as they are playful inventions; inspired composites of jewel-like incandescence, sparkling vitality and imaginative joy.

Most interesting of all Krendel’s designs based upon greenhouse interiors. Powerful images in which the perspectives are suggested by the architectural construction are counterpointed by a profusion of assorted plant forms. They manifest an offbeat balance of agitated vitality and earthy strength.”

– Burton Wasserman

Series: Tamara Krendel Greenhouses