Soul painting

New work by John J. Domont
Domont Studio Gallery
Through July 2

For some artists, spiritual concerns are present but not overt or even intentional; a painting may suggest an ethereal place or consciousness but is not driven by such an exploration. For Indiana artist John J. Domont, the opposite is true: A spiritual awareness and constant searching, or at least an ongoing openness, drive the artist’s impetus to paint.

'Essence' by John J. Domont

Domont’s current exhibition of all new work, at his own Domont Studio Gallery, offers a direct glimpse into that lofty but accessible world where colors are that much brighter and light is that much richer — or darker, as the case may be. While Domont often includes his work in the group shows he presents throughout the year, this is a rare offering of his work only; and in this case, it’s all fresh. While there’s no mistaking a Domont, these works do represent a subtle if decided departure; or, to put it another way, a coming together of all of Domont’s painterly and philosophical concerns to date. Domont has developed his series of abstracts, begging bowls, florals, landscapes and wilderness series over the years, plus the journey series (on paper) — and here, certain of these converge as an offering reflecting Domont’s open and inclusive worldview.

A six-painting installation, “The Now of Grace” is a subtle abstraction of rocks and waterfalls. While each painting is its own entity, as a whole, the paintings speak to Domont’s holistic perspective. All things are indeed connected, he reminds us; and his paintings are a way of illustrating this. Domont also recognizes the duality of things — grace being the ultimate equalizer.

In technical terms, Domont paints all his canvases with a base of red, lending each a subtle glow. Although each painting is painstakingly layered to create a richness of light and depth, and rendered with a precision of form and line, if you step back far enough, the lines melt and the composition pops into life. “Essence,” though, is a departure. The colors are subtle, off white, while still infused with the underglow of red. This is less a celebration than a nod to the subtler of emotional landscapes.

Other paintings, such as the landscape “American Beauty,” are fantastically brilliant in color and light. Here, a low horizon line is banked with a blue sky that seems to reach into infinity. In his “Begging Bowls,” Domont moves from the jewel tones of fuchsia and green and their many variations — all working to create an imagined space — to a darker-hued manifestation of gratitude in deep plums and reds. The bowls, of course, symbolize humility and an openness to receiving. The landscapes are a celebration of bounty.

Domont also looks at femininity and masculinity in “Shakti’s Bowl” and “Shiva’s Bowl”: The feminine is broken, and the masculine is rationalized. Both, of course, are out of balance.

There’s a perfection Domont seems to strive for in all his work. In some cases, it’s ironically explored by painting with a light-filled brilliance that suggests both the Fauves and the Impressionists, but is far more deliberate. Domont’s images are clearly coming from someplace both personal and archetypal, addressing a yearning that is decidedly spiritual. As Domont himself says, “The whole show is about integration of duality.”

New works by John J. Domont are on view at Domont Studio Gallery, 545 S. East St. Call the gallery at 685-9634 to find out more. Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and by appointment.