June 13, 2006 > A unique location

by Arathi Satish

A new exhibit of artist Genine Coleman's work at Olive Hyde Art Gallery presents a unique perspective. By painting different rooms of the gallery in various shades of color, a deep spatial relationship is created between her work and the gallery.

Titled "Location Location", Coleman strives to give her stories a voice. She explains, "In exploring place, I examine source and resource. This body of work has led me to materials, places and people with rich stories."

Three rooms of the gallery are divided by subject, The Redwoods and The River, Habitat, and Color.

The Redwoods and The River is inspired by the artist's home, a redwood cabin near Mendocino National Forest. The material used is wood. Coleman was inspired by the relationship between the ancient redwoods, the river and man. All panels in the installation were made from reclaimed timber.

Habitat is a room painted in various shades creating a striking display for "Contour's Journey," "Fuel," and "Godspeed." Coleman explains this room as "a retrospective of this time and place."

In the room titled "Color," the artist showcases colors she has personally harvested. Pigments render images of places from which they were collected. Black from charred animal bones; limonite gathered from Cache Creek Wilderness Area in Lake County and a brilliant red iron oxide from the Oakland hills, all create an unusual palate. Behind each painting there is a map rendered in swatches of the colors used. This display of awareness of color sources has "brought healing and inspiration to me," said Coleman.

An unusual and stimulating experience, the public is invited to visit "Location Location" at Olive Hyde Art Gallery through July 8th.

Location Location
Through July 8
Thursday to Sunday,
12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Olive Hyde Art Gallery
123 Washington Blvd., Fremont
(510) 791-4357