August 30, 2005 > The evolution of art

by Susana Nuñez

Expressing thoughts and emotions may, at times, transcend words. It is within the realm of fine art that a myriad of dimensions are open and available, where ideas are released from verbal boundaries and limited only by an artist's imagination and experimentation.

From the more abstract and complex pieces, individuals seek to discover what hides behind the naked eye, while simpler yet equally enticing pieces lure one in with a single glance. Movements such as the Renaissance era, Impressionism, Surrealism, and the more recent Post-Modernism have all explored various artistic styles and influenced the evolution of art. The unrestricted and original artists of our own era look to the past for guidance but continue taking their medium to the next level.

Although no movement has come and gone without major influence, the Renaissance era is perhaps one of the biggest contributors to the artistic world. This 14th century period, which has its roots in Italy, gave us the great Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael. Leaving behind the religion-dominated arts of past eras, the Renaissance movement encouraged individual perception. France was host to the vibrant Impressionism of the 19th century. Characterized by small strokes, bold colors and lighting effects, Impressionism came to prominence. Also a product of France, the Surrealism movement of the 20th century aimed to illustrate our imaginations in an irrational and unconventional manner. These vital and barrier-breaking movements have passed and now Post-Modernism, a movement that emphasizes playfulness and irony while rejecting genre boundaries has arisen.

These movements, as well as a multitude of others, helped rid artistic expression of restrictions. Today, local artists continue to create and challenge our senses. Original art is not limited to exclusive galleries miles away; it's all around us inside and outside of our local galleries. The Tri-City Area is home to many talented local artists who display their work in exhibits throughout the area. Throughout the year, new exhibits open in the area; the time is always right to take a more in-depth look at featured art close to home. A partial listing of local art galleries follows (call for hours and exhibit information):

California State East Bay University Art Gallery
Art and Education Building
25800 Carlos Bee Blvd, Hayward
(510) 885-3299

Chabot College Art Department and Galleries
Building 1000 near Student Parking lot G
Art Gallery Room 1002
25555 Hesperian Blvd. Hayward
(510) 786-6600

City Arts Gallery
746 B St., Hayward
(510) 538-9763

Green Shutter Gallery
22654 Main St., Hayward
(510) 538-2787

Fremont Art Association Gallery
37659 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 792-0905

Nova Gallery of Fine Art
43801 Osgood Rd., Fremont
(510) 353-1464

Ohlone College Louie Meager Art Gallery
43600 Mission Blvd., Fremont
(510) 659-6176

Olive Hyde Art Center
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357 or (510) 494-4228

The Phantom Art Gallery
457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas
(408) 586-3210

Photo Central Gallery
1099 E St. Hayward
(510) 881-6721

Smith's Thomas Kinkade Gallery
37815 Niles Blvd., Fremont
(510) 793-0737

Sun Gallery
Hayward Area Forum of the Arts
1015 E St. Hayward
(510) 581-4050

Willits Art Gallery
3755 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 979-5600