Luscious. Juicy. These are words that George Rychter uses to describe his explorations of organic forms. Yes, it’s another side of George, this following visual beauty, light and colour to create 'bleaf portal', the show presented in the Back Room at Hope Arts Gallery for February.
The gallery at 349 Fort St, has reopened for 2011 with new work on all the walls, and is proud to present this exhibition which celebrates organic forms that are abstracted to ‘touch sensuously upon the sublime.’
George is a well-known hotelier in Hope B.C., and recognized for his earthy sense of humour and love of laughter. Although he’s a busy guy, he’s willing to take on tasks as a member of the Hope Lions Club. He’s dedicated to his family, his community, and his art.
His pursuit of the creative initially led George overseas to England and the Portsmouth College of Arts and Design, and then on to Brighton Polytechnic where he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts. He returned to Canada and the University of Regina where he completed his Master of Fine Arts in 1979. He shared his knowledge as an assistant professor and artist in residence at the university from 1984 through 1986. In the late 1990’s, George, along with Ed Hill, and other local artists, was involved in the initial development of the Hope Artists Guild.
For the last two years his artwork has been concerned with a “painterly use” of digital images. This exploration is a return to his creative passions after a lapse of about fifteen years, while the hotel business absorbed much of his energy. Based on the colour and line of small organic forms, the images grow and become glowing abstract celebrations of his artistic journey.
Rychter is presenting nearly 20 of his latest works that have been light jet printed and laminated to Plexiglas. One, titled ‘Homage to Jim Morrison’ is mounted in a light box, resulting in a blaze of fluid radiance that hints at psychedelia. Other pieces seem bright with the possibility of embryonic form, or reflect the sensuous.
His 'bleaf portal' show at the Hope Arts Gallery is the first time that Rychter has shown this collection of his work in one place.
“Take the visual plunge, to playfully linger in the blush of strange beauty,” says Rychter, in inviting everyone to the gallery.
His show runs until February 28th.
More of George Rychter’s work can be viewed on his website at bleafportal.com