(Courtesy of the Canton Museum of Art)
Take a stroll down memory lane at the Canton Museum of Art (CMA) by exploring nostalgic and enchanted works in the new exhibition entitled “The Mystery & Magic: The Trompe L’Oeil Vision of Gary Erbe,” available on view now through July 19.
More than 35 pieces are on display, featuring Erbe’s unique approach to trompe l’oeil painting (translated from French as “trick of the eye”), creating an optical illusion of two-dimensional space that is painted so convincingly that the viewer believes it is three-dimensional.
Rather than painting trompe l’oeil architectural scenes, one of the most popular examples often found on inner-city murals, he brings inanimate objects to life on canvas in a surprisingly realistic manner. Erbe’s self-taught skillful paintings dazzle with lifelike compositions that are constructed of collaged still-life content drifting in mid-air.
Erbe coined the term “Levitational Realism” to define his contribution to the trompe l’oeil legacy.
“My interest in trompe l’oeil goes back to the late 1960s when I discovered the 19th-century trompe l’oeil artists Harnett, Peto, and Haberle. For a brief period, I drew inspiration from these artists only to realize I had no desire to be a follower,” said Erbe. “While there are elements of trompe l’oeil in my work, I have less of an interest in fooling the eye in favor of stimulating the mind.”
At first glance, viewers are delighted by the themes in Erbe’s paintings, from his childhood passion for baseball, remembrance of the old-time movies, obsession with comic books, to a bygone collection of magician memorabilia. His canvases express the marvel of a simpler time but not without acknowledging life’s darker and more challenging moments also, touching on such themes as greed represented by a skeletal memento mori; the plight of the Native Americans; and the emergence of jazz under the thrall of racism.
In 2013, Erbe presented the Canton Museum of Art with two of his original paintings for the Museum’s expanding Permanent Collection. “76 Special,” a smallish painting of a floating plated hot dog skewered by a dollar-bill on a toothpick, was painted in 1975. A much larger creation entitled Vanity and Time depicting bodybuilder ephemera was painted in 2010. The artist generously gifted the works in Memory of Muriel Koestler. Both Permanent Collection pieces will be on display for this special exhbition.
About Gary Erbe
Gary Erbe was born in 1944 in Union City, New Jersey. Unable to attend art school, he worked as an engraver to support himself and his family. In 1967, he discovered Trompe l’oeil painting and its masters and found his artistic voice. Erbe decided to pursue his art full-time in 1970. He has exhibited in many of America’s most prestigious art museums. He has displayed one-man exhibitions at The New Jersey State Museum, The Montclair Art Museum, the Grand Gallery of the National Arts Club in New York, The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio, The Salmagundi Club in New York, the Boca Raton Museum of Art, and The Albuquerque Museum, The James A. Michener Museum, and The New Britain Museum of American Art.
About the Canton Museum of Art
The Canton Museum of Art (CMA) is one of Ohio’s premier museums for an exceptional visual arts experience. CMA is recognized for powerful national touring exhibits; dynamic CMA-original exhibits; an unrivaled Permanent Collection of American watercolors and contemporary ceramics; and innovative education outreach programs, in-Museum classes and workshops. For more information, including hours, exhibits and special events, call (330) 453-7666, visit www.cantonart.org, Facebook at “Canton Museum of Art” or @CantonMuseum on Twitter.
Canton Museum of Art Hours:
Hours – Monday: Closed; Tues – Thurs: 10am – 8pm; Fri – Sat: 10am – 5pm; Sun: 1 – 5pm
Location: The Canton Museum of Art is located in the Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Avenue North, Canton, Ohio 44702. Free onsite parking is available around the Museum. Call (330) 453-7666 for information and directions or visit our website at www.cantonart.org.
Admission: Regular admission is $8 Adults; $6, Seniors and Students (with valid I.D.); Museum Members are Free; and Children 12 and under, Free. Tickets are available at the Museum Ticket Office during Museum hours. For group visits, discounts, and tours, please call Lynn Daverio at (330) 453-7666 at least two weeks prior to your visit for reservations and/or to request a docent-led tour.
