Premier Exhibit: Paintings in Place

Placement Gallery presents:
Paintings in Place
April 28 – May 20, 2007
Featuring artists Amy Rice, Yuri Arajs, Alex Alexander, Ben Olson

Exhibit location:
509 1st Avenue NE, 2nd floor
NE Minneapolis

Opening Reception
Saturday, April 28 from 7 to 10 pm
A fantastic art event and party. Free and open to the public!

Scheduled Events:
April 28, 7-10pm Opening reception
May 3, 6-9pm, First Thursday NE Art Crawl
May 12, 1-3pm, Amy Rice demonstrates “Gocco” printing
May 18-20, Art A Whirl, Fri 5-10pm, Sat 12-8pm, Sun 12-5pm

Gallery hours:
Sat & Sun 10-5pm or by appointment



This exhibition brings together four painters whose work explores their own world and the world around them primarily through the use of paint. The unique vision each artist brings to their work allows viewers an intimate moment in time with each piece in this unique exhibit.

Amy Rice finds comfort in childhood and nostalgic imagery, which is reminiscent of supposed innocence. Primarily using spray paint, hand cut stencils and collage, Amy’s attention to her working surfaces is just as important as the message conveyed, both aesthetically and emotionally. Old reclaimed kitchen cabinets and shelves are used among other objects. Additionally, Amy will feature a series of limited edition “Gocco” prints in the retail shop.

Yuri Arajs looks at the world around him in form and color. Primarily painting landscapes, Yuri creates serene, minimal scenes with an element of paranoia that is inescapable. Large oceanic scenes, vast fields or detailed floral images; each work can feel relaxed and comfortable in gesture and space, but cold and stark in precision and technique.

Alex Alexander’s work focuses on human relationships. She explores the idea of beauty in relationship to people; both friends and lovers. In the majority of Alex’s work, the focus is on the interaction of figures and other narrative qualities that inform (or not) the personalities and situations involved. Alex creates a world of unspoken but not quiet moments.

Ben Olson has two obsessions in his work; his wife Emma and himself. Ben’s lyrical and arguably aggressive paint technique brings detail and emotion to very still and almost lifeless portraits, with the rare addition of a toy pistol or a bed sheet to additionally inform you, Ben’s portraits command a strong presence.