BRATTLEBORO-"Leonard Ragouzeos: Works on Paper 2005–2025" opens at CX Silver Gallery, 814 Western Ave., with a reception for the artist on Saturday, June 7, from 1 to 3 p.m.
"All art is autobiographical; the pearl is the oyster's autobiography." Ragouzeos attributes this quote in his artist statement to Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, and adds to it: "I've adopted this view that the work people do and the things created can represent who that person is, where they've been and what they were thinking and feeling."
He continues, "The object made becomes graphic evidence of the life lived and character of its maker. Like chapters in a book."
The form, the manner, and medium chosen by any artist "are guided by the purpose and function of the piece as well as events of the day. Sometimes dark, sometimes light," he writes.
Ragouzeos's monochrome black paintings and drawings are created using waterproof india ink on Yupo, an archival synthetic paper, primarily used in the printing industry. Smaller paintings in color employ gouache, watercolor, color inks, and acrylics on archival paper or board.
Born and educated in New York City, Ragouzeos began his artistic career as a graphic designer, but at age 30, he entered academia, spending the next 30 years as a studio art and design professor in Iowa and Pennsylvania. During those years, Ragouzeos maintained an active studio and exhibition record.
After retiring from teaching in 2005, Ragouzeos and his wife, Bobbe, moved to Newfane. They live there part time and in Brisbane, California, according to the artist's website. His studio is in West Dummerston.
Ragouzeos lists his work in numerous private and corporate collections, including The Lancaster Museum of Art, The Des Moines Art Center, Brunnier Art Museum at Iowa State University, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, and Penn College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The exhibition will run through Aug. 24. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m. For more information, call 802-257-7898, or visit cxsilvergallery.com.
This Arts item was submitted to The Commons.