Ro Snell “All that is left”

Reviewed by Lorenzo Lepori

The Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara is hosting Santa Barbara-based artist Ro Snell’s exhibit titled “All that is left,” which explores the concept of memory.

Focusing on perception, disintegration, emotion and recollection over time, Snell’s exhibit only surprised me by its diversity in terms of art techniques; the art itself not being of my taste. Art is not supposed to be understood but should rather trigger an emotional response. Unfortunately, the exhibit failed to provide me the emotions I was seeking for.

Made of objects, organic forms, and printed images to examine the process of aging and its beauty, “All that is left” glorifies a simpler time where technologies did not dominate the world and refers to the artist’s personal attachment to the land.

The exhibit counts nine compositions that I tried to enjoy the best that I could. However, despite a museum staff member’s explanation, which was helpful, I had trouble relating to Snell’s artwork. It is one thing to enjoy a painting by artists such as Van Gogh or Monet, but another to drool in front of a chain hung on a white wall.

To me, the exhibit is interesting as it challenges the audience constantly. In addition to the exhibit’s small size, Snell’s artwork displayed for this fall iteration of the MCASB’s “Bloom Project” had little emotional impact on me. I would not recommend, “All that is left” to anyone who has no interest in art and especially abstract art. The exhibit will carry on until December 8.

“Degas to Chagall”

Reviewed by Skylar Serge

Santa Barbara Museum of Art has viewers turning heads in awe as they observe the new European exhibit, “Degas to Chagall.”

Paintings lent from The Armand Hammer Foundation are gleaming in soft lighting, with ornate gold frames uniting the work behind its glass.

With a focus on the French Impressionism era, the exhibit is filled with renowned artists. Famous works by painters such as Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Pierre Bonnard, and Ivan Aivazovsky are displayed at the museum.

The French artist, Marc Chagall, has several pieces in the exhibit. One titled “Blue Angel” is the pastel and quick line drawing of a woman’s figure wearing wings, gazing at bright red and blue roses.

Huge paintings are draped from floor to ceiling emphasizing the style of French post-impressionism.

The extensive collection may attract an older crowd, but much is to be taken away from the vibrancy of this vintage style. Shades of green, blue and yellow paint are highlighted in many of the pieces on display.

Vincent Van Gough’s painting, “Lilacs,” is also featured in the exhibit, alongside the recognizable oil painting by Pierre Bonnard, “Nude against the Light,” done in 1909.

For viewers, this exhibit is worth visiting. The old paintings have a sophisticated vibe with a dose of history in each piece.

“Limuw: An Ode to the Sea”

Reviewed by Rachel Stone

The second annual exhibition, “Limuw, An Ode to the Sea”, featured at Hotel Indigo seizes the passionate and mystical elements relating to ocean life.

Paintings created by a variety of artists from Santa Barbara’s Contemporary Arts Forum, are erratically strewn throughout the hotel.

From local to international artists the gallery contains an extensive collection of styles.

“The Del Mar Series,” is an assortment of works by artist Bill Dewey. Originally from San Diego, Dewey selects a varying range of Del Mar beachscapes. Pixilation and blurring of the setting suggests the idea of a specific memory.

Another work is Kim Fisher’s collage, “Full Moon,” which is inspired by the gravitational pull of the moon and its effect on the ocean tide. A large diamond, distorted with natural colors, signifies the moon’s waxing and waning.

Located in an extravagant hotel in the heart of Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, the gallery is a must-see for any art junkies or ocean lovers, plus admission is free.

The exhibit is available for anyone to tour Wednesday through Sunday, times varying.