In The Galleries, The Bernardsville News

The Bernardsville News, Thursday Nov. 28, 1983 In The Galleries by Rachel Mullen

For many artists who have created wall constructions the concept of the two dimensional frame and three-dimensional forms is a valid form of exploration. Like Tatlin, the artists have expanded beyond the traditional square or rectangular shape of the canvas.

One of these is Anthony DeBlasi. His mixed media “Old Black Magic” appears to be a series of thick strokes of paint applied directly to the wall, over which is superimposed a black frame to anchor the whole together. In reality these “strokes” are thin pieces of wood painted with thick layers of impasto.

The artist cleverly demonstrates that painting need no longer be confined within the borders of the frame. Though the work gives the illusion of being a painting, in actuality it is a sculptured construction. As did Picasso, DeBlasi questions visual reality.