New alt_space exhibition in September August 15 2024

REMEMBERING RICK ABRAMS:
A Pop Art Anthology

On View: September 7 - October 12, 2024
Opening Reception: Saturday, September 7, 4-7 PM

CLICK TO PREVIEW AND SHOP EXHIBITION 

This exhibition is a celebration of the work of contemporary pop artist Rick Abrams who passed away in June of this year. During this reception, the gallery will provide the public with the opportunity to purchase rare works by Abrams that will benefit the College of Central Florida Foundation for Educational programs at the Appleton Museum of Art and programs at Atlantic Center for the Arts.

About the Exhibition:

Rick Abrams was best known for his acrylic and mixed media collage shadowboxes on PVC panels that explored themes surrounding pop culture.  He often integrated nostalgic and humorous references from borrowed imagery that included 1950s-60s advertisements and package design, comic book frames, and photographs.Talk bubbles, halftone patterns, polka dots, neon effects, and newsprint motifs were often incorporated into his work as well.

Each piece was created by applying paint with stencils and rollers to the back side of clear acrylic glass which was floated over a separate painting on white styrene. This technique reveals a vibrant, dimensional quality as shapes, shadows, colors, and patterns interact on different planes.

Rick Abrams was born and educated in Miami and had a background as a Graphic Designer. He was a resident of DeLand, Florida for nearly 30 years and regularly exhibited in outdoor art festivals locally and nationwide. He consistently participated in IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts in New Smyrna Beach, the DeLand Fall Festival of the Arts, and the Winter Park Art Festival, among many others. Rick was respected by his art festival peers and his work is cherished by his many collectors. Those who knew him had a deep appreciation for his creativity, sense of humor, and passion for art. Fellow art festival artist and friend Ummarid "Tony" Eitharong" elaborates, "Rick was a very good man. The type of person who, if he knew you, would do anything for you. We shared many good experiences while participating in art festivals around the country." 

The public is invited to share a written memory or acknowledgement in a tribute book that will be shared with the family.