Some traditions never die; and, one that has stood the test of time is art itself. Despite the trying times of the COVID-19 quarantine, the California Art Club and Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University are working together to bring the 109th annual “Gold Medal Exhibition” to the public virtually. The California Art Club was founded in 1909 with the intention of bringing together artists in California—a place to share ideas, teach, and hone their craft. A place where masters could gather and showcase their finest work. The club held its first ever exhibition in 1910 and has done so each year from then on, becoming California’s equivalent to the famous French Salon, but with the goal of inclusivity in mind.
This year, many masters of different crafts are showcased, albeit virtually online, giving a variety of artwork to be seen by all. With over 150 pieces, it has a little something for everyone, whether one’s preference is portraiture, landscapes, metal work, or sculpture. And every piece of art highlights a variety of issues and concepts, captured in their subject matters. If one seeks to gaze in awe at beautiful scenes of nature, then the oil painting, Twilight at the Ghost Tree by Brian Blood will provide that experience. The painterly strokes found in the wood of the tree and each of its leaves provide much detail for the viewer to digest, but then rocks, dirt, and an ocean are painted in the scene as well to showcase the use of different textures. But to top it all off, Blood paints a seemingly realistic lighting that is found only within a ten-minute time frame of the twilight hour as the sun rises or sets. This painting is a good example of a master at work, because they not only paint an immaculate scene, but use it to show all their different skillsets in the landscape genre at once. A scene that might be almost exclusive to Southern California’s landscape.
Additionally, the exhibit also contains art that deals with human experience. Brittany Ryan uses her sculpture, Little Swimmer, to capture the growing pains and social awkwardness that everyone must go through as they transition from childhood to adulthood. The piece is made from aqua-resin and painted with oil paint to add subtle coloration. It depicts a young girl, wearing a swimsuit and floaties as if she is about to go in the pool, but she seems reluctant. Her body has begun to change into that of a woman and it seems to grip her with anxiety, trying to come to terms with what this new body means and how others will treat her. This is a challenge that many will face as they grow up, because there is no instruction manual on how to behave as an adult and how others should be treated.
And the exhibit has so much more to offer as well. With so many artists, there is a variety of work to be seen that most cannot usually find in a single museum. Each piece gives the viewer something to sink their teeth into with a message to find or a quality to admire.
