Center hosts one-man show
More than 230 abstract pieces by one artist — Abraham Darlington — are on display at the Butler Art Center through Saturday.
A reception for “The Wild Side: When Chaos Meets Canvas!” is set for 7 to 9 p.m. Friday.
His works range from graphite drawings to colored pencil sketches to bright acrylics paintings.
Originally from Philadelphia, the 32-year-old Butler resident has been painting for less than a year.
“I have no formal art training,” Darlington said. “I learned through reading books, experimentation, and self reflection.”
He said he enjoys all styles and mediums but gravitates toward street art, graffiti art, minimalism and cubism.
“I enjoyed drawing as a kid but did not get into art until I discovered tattoo, abstract and street arts,” he recalled.
He defines street art as a term “to refer to artistic practices and styles that originate outside of the realm of 'fine arts,'” he said.
“For example, graffiti art seen in urban areas. Street artists often do not follow traditional rules that classically trained artists might be taught to follow,” he noted.
Tattooing is not an art he has practiced, though he sports many himself.
“I've never tattooed anyone, but I have eight of my own. I designed all of them myself. Each has a special meaning to me,” Darlington said.
He said he likes street art and tattoo art “because of the unique designs and vibrant color palettes.”
As for abstract and cubism styles, “it's more about action and emotion, not about how realistic an object or thing is. It requires one to feel rather than think,” he said.
“Minimalism serves (as) a great reminder to me that a great painting does not need to be complex taking extensive time. It's about doing a lot with very little,” he said.Darlington also uses unique tools to create his pieces.More traditional items such as brushes and palette knives get mixed with spatulas, combs, sponges, spray paints, stencils and hands.He said his only rule for creating art is that there really are no rules.His artworks range from a foot to several feet in size, some of them designed to look connected across empty space.He said he usually completes a piece in a sitting or two, but just how does he know when a piece is truly finished?“I go with my instincts,” he said. “Once a piece 'feels right,' I know it's done.”Art is a hobby for the full-time teacher. He is now working toward developing his portrait skills, he said.The Art Center, 344 S. Main St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays.Admission is free. Call 724-283-6922.
