BEMIDJI, Minn. — Bob Nugent, professor emeritus of art at Sonoma State University in California, will present an exhibition entitled “Beneath the Matter” in the Talley Gallery of the Education Arts Complex on the campus of Bemidji State University from Monday, Nov. 3 through Friday, Dec. 5.

Nugent’s work is inspired by a deep personal connection with nature, specifically the Amazon river basin. Nugent travels to Brazil to visit the Amazon several times a year, and his travels have provided the subject and inspiration for his work for more than 25 years. Throughout his career, Nugent has grappled with the destructive aspects of human behavior on what he calls “the innocence of nature.”

“Naturalistic forms resembling beehives, vertebrae, cocoons, anthills, plant forms and insects are spread across the surface of the work,” Nugent says. “My palette is often subdued beneath a layer of darkness, suggesting mystery. The work transcribes a memory of objects and impressions of what was seen and felt.

“The Amazon River is an apt metaphor for the act of churning up remembered objects and sights, gathered while traveling along its rough course,” he adds. “In its flow, the river boils an object to the surface only to swallow it up again to resurface later. These impressions are a memory of the river bound on both sides by a high, dark jungle; foreboding and beautiful. If it takes you in, it takes you in whole.”

An opening reception for the show will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 12 beginning at noon, and Nugent will deliver a lecture on the Amazon later in the afternoon.

Nugent’s exhibit will be open until 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, allowing Talley Gallery to participate in Bemidji’s First Friday event. On the first Friday of each month, the Bemidji arts community has open art exhibitions with people walking from gallery-to-gallery. Other open exhibitions for First Friday gallery viewings can be found at Bemidji Community Art Center, the Northern Gallery and Wild Hare. Parking behind the Education Arts building is free after 6 p.m.

Located in room 212 of the Education Arts building on the campus of Bemidji State University, the Talley Gallery is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The gallery is barrier-free and is open at no charge to the public.

For more information, contact Talley Gallery Director Laura Goliaszewski at (218) 755-3708.

ON THE WEB
• http://www.nugentandcompany.com

FOR YOUR CALENDAR
Nov. 3 – Dec. 5 – Bemidji State University’s Talley Gallery presents “Beneath the Matter,” an exhibit of works by Bob Nugent, professor emeritus of art at Sonoma State University (Calif.). Opening reception Nov. 12, noon-3 p.m. Call (218) 755-3708 for gallery hours or for more information.