'ReStruction' Art at Croton Falls’ Schoolhouse

CROTON FALLS, N.Y. – William Shakespeare would be astonished to see the Schoolhouse Gallery art exhibit that accompanies the current production of his play, “Twelfth Night,” at the Schoolhouse Theater.

The exhibit, curated by Patrick Cicalo, is called “ReStruction.” 

"Some people construct, some destruct ... then there are those who do both and then take the pieces to create something entirely new and amazing," Cicalo said.

The exhibit features work by two artists: “Photo Metaphors” by Stephen Gordon and “Cameragenics” by Alan Cohen. Both artists base their somewhat abstract creations on digital photographs.

In Cohen’s case, the artist manipulates his photos to create new depth, angles, interrelationships and influences.

“I see the world as pliable and mutable,” Cohen said. He examines the world around him and culls out the infinite relationships and possibilities. In the end, many of his works seem like abstract paintings with a basis of realism. Examples can be seen on his website.

Gordon studied art at Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts and has art-related degrees from Williams College, the Columbia Graduate School of Art and Archaeology and Columbia Teachers College. He has worked on design teams for SUNY Purchase’s Neuberger Museum and the Katonah Museum, has made films of his own, and has written three books on visual perception.

Now in retirement, Gordon creates art by taking photos, printing and modifying them in his chemistry lab and cutting the prints into pieces. In the next step, he rearranges the pieces to form collages and uses tape and pencils to complete the work. While the concept is in ways similar to Cohen’s, the end result is unique.

The “ReStruction” exhibit at the Schoolhouse Gallery can be seen from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, evenings during theater performances and by appointment. It will end June 10.

The Artists Reception will be from noon to 2 p.m. June 3. Everyone is invited. Refreshments will be served and the artists will be on hand. 

The Schoolhouse Theater is at 3 Owens Road in Croton Falls. For more information, call (914) 277-8477 or visit the website.

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