Mercedes Matter: A Retrospective Exhibition

[Arts at Baruch Center][Mishkin Art Gallery][11-04-2009][1:00 PM]

Mercedes Matter: A Retrospective was an art exhibition containing some artwork of Mesrcedes Matter. 
It was held at the Mishking Art Gallery located at the E.23rd Street. Groups of 25 people were allowed 
to enter the gallery and view the artwork. Once inside the gallery, the curator, Ellen Landau gave us the 
tour of the place. She first started with the section containing early artworks which Mercedes created 
as a child, along with other works that she created as she was budding out to be an artist. Landau 
explained how the paintings differed from those during the Renaissance period. The Renaissance artists 
were very attentive to details and the colors they used but with the development of the camera, it all 
changed. The camera transitioned artwork from being detailed to being more abstract. This abstract form 
is apparent in the works of Mercedes Matter. As you go through the gallery, you notice the bright colors, 
lines, and shapes which Mercedes used in order to create the still life paintings. Many of the artwork 
that was displayed were collected through the private library of the artist or from individuals who bought
the artwork. 
The motive behind holding this event was to expose students to artwork. As Ellen Landau stated: being up
to date with the different forms of art, whether music, theater, or gallery, it is important for those
especially in the business field to know about them. By having a background of these works of art one can
engage in a conversation without seeming lost. She also emphasized to take the opportunity of being a student
and visiting museums which sometimes are free for students and learn about the different cultures.  
The Mercedes Matter: Retrospective was a good experience once inside the gallery. The only downside was
waiting for your turn to come to see the work. If you don't mind the wait and are a fan of art, then I
would highly recommend you to check out the gallery. But even if your not the art person, the paintings are
interesting in their abstract form. There nothing wrong in checking it out.