Richard Carlyon

Last Friday night I attended three of the four exhibitions for Richard Carlyon (1930-2006). A former Virginia Commonwealth University professor who produced an extensive body of work for over 50 years. With four exhibitions at the Anderson Gallery, Reynolds Gallery, 1708 Gallery and Visual Arts Center of Richmond each site offers a unique theme to Carlyon's work.

"Each of the four exhibiting sites will present a portion of Carlyon’s work, arranged thematically, to offer an overview of his development and wide-ranging perspective." - RVA Magazine



Anderson Gallery, "Choice"



Bold linework and a minimal color palette embodies Carlyon's most powerful paintings. Personal favorite is the series of panels with overlapping red and dark gray lines. The red line draws the viewers eye and creates a hierarchy within the composition.






Mock set-up and sculpture piece of Carlyon's art studio. A glimpse into his personal workspace including art books such as Duschamp, rows of old records and audio cassettes, stacks of liquitex and carefully pinned up black and white photographs.





1708 Gallery, "Interval"







Visual Art's Center, "Chance"



A vast array of other work such as collages, sculpture and video show Carlyon's versatility and wide perspective. Many of these works include the layering of wood pieces which are highlighted through the raw construction of nails and metal screws showing through.




Reynold's Gallery, His wife, Eleanor Rufty & early and late paintings