Michael Kareken: New Monotypes

Highpoint is thrilled to present Michael Kareken: New Monotypes. This exhibition includes a selection from Kareken’s 30 new black and white watercolor monotypes, exploring the Pacific Northwest landscape where Kareken grew up. Each print is a reminder of a location which holds special meaning to the artist, many of them taking on a subjective point of view, looking up or down, as a way to suggest a “child’s-eye” sense of scale or perspective. Michael adds “As a child I was overwhelmed by the drama of this landscape - its scale and ever-shifting quality of light and atmosphere made a tremendous impression on me. Those early experiences remain vivid in my imagination.”

This is the artist’s first collaboration with Highpoint Editions. Kareken explored the art of monotypes by way of painting on thin polyester plates with watercolor. The artist chose to restrict himself to black and white primarily to establish a psychological tone and evoke a sense of memory, reflection, and distance towards his subjects. Michael notes “The medium is difficult to control – the watercolor floats, smears and puddles in unpredictable ways on the surface of the non-absorbent plate – but I value the direct, spontaneous quality that results from the process.”

An artist talk will proceed the September 21st Opening Reception. The talk will begin at 5:30 and an RSVP is requested. RSVP via the Highpoint website.