THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, January 26, 1996 TAG: 9601240130
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
Exhibits by three artists will open at the Visual Arts Center of Tidewater Community College with a reception at 8 p.m. Jan. 26.
The featured artists will be Gayle Paul, John Zambelis and James Brennan.
Paul will present ``Herstory,'' a sculptural installation about the history of women. It explores the identity, beauty, employment, social status, sexuality and leisure through the use of recycled clothing and mixed media.
``Herstory'' was constructed from clothing that represents the lives of many women: undergarments, sleepwear, sportswear, dresses and business suits, evening and wedding dresses.
Zambelis will exhibit paintings derived from mythology and imagery of his homeland, Greece. The works, dominated by children and fishermen, evolve from experience, memory, dream and fantasy.
``The palette of paint and canvas starts the battle for hope and discovery in search of images live enough to fight back life's upheavals and brutalities,'' Zambelis said.
Brennan, a metalwork designer, will display work which is spontaneous, playful and sophisticated. Native sea life - crabs, lobsters and jellyfish - are translated by silver and semi-precious stones. Mixed media pieces include bracelets, pins, neckpieces and flatwear.
``I combine geometric shapes and let the forms dictate the final product,'' Brennan said. ``I adhere to the Bauhaus philosophy that form follows function. Creating jewelry in this manner seems more natural and in following these improvisational methods, I am more true to myself.''
The Visual Arts Center is located at the corner of High and Court streets. The galleries are on the first floor and accessible for wheelchairs. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 1-5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, call 396-6999. by CNB