Friday, January 23, 2004

WILMINGTON, N.C. – “Cartesia,” an exhibit showcasing abstract landscapes by artist Larry Pritchard, begins Feb. 9 and runs through April 12 at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington in the Warwick Center lobby. The opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12. Both the exhibit and reception are free and open to the public. The exhibit is sponsored by the Campus Activities and Involvement Center.

“Cartesia” explores the similarities between the creation, purpose and function of maps and paintings in society. The exhibit uses the visual vocabulary found in a variety of map sources ranging from primitive lines on parchment to high tech satellite imagery denoting land forms, geology and vegetation. The use of mapping elements serves as a metaphor for the more intimate and personal exploration that all people experience as they chart their course through life. Larry Pritchard says of his work, “I rely on an intuitive exploration of color, line and shape to create works that are aesthetically appealing. On the surface, the work may appear to be purely abstract, but further reflection reveals certain formal elements borrowed from antique, primitive and high tech maps and aerial photos. Using these elements I create my own maps of my painting and thought processes.”

Larry Pritchard has exhibited his works in venues throughout Colorado and Virginia and was recently selected by a jury of international art critics, artists and other art professionals to represent the United States at the Biennial of Contemporary Art in Florence, Italy in December 2003. He began his formal art studies at University of Virginia and though he studied sculpture in school, he has focused almost exclusively on painting and printmaking since 1995. He moved from Denver to Wilmington in 2002.

To view samples of the artist’s work, visit www.uncw.edu/arts.

The Warwick Center is open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 11 p.m. For more information, contact the Campus Activities and Involvement Center at 910/962-3827.

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Media Contact: Shannon Hooker, 962-7600 or hookers@uncw.edu.