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PHOTO BY CLARE JENSEN

LAKESIDE. Dale Witherow’s painting “Lakeside” is one example of the artist’s serene representation of nature in Gallery Madera’s latest exhibit “Apophenia. ”

Madera showcases differing views of the natural world

By Clare Jensen

Calling Gallery Madera’s latest exhibit “Apophenia” is fitting, as the dual showcase of artists conjures the definition of the term in its viewers.

While walking through the series of paintings in the industrial-grade gallery, the viewer is forced to make connections in the work of two very different painters.

Dale Witherow and Angel (Fred) Matamoros feature two very distinctive styles, but the connection to the human spirit as well as mother earth comes through in full force in all of their works.

Witherow bounces between levels of abstractions, but always portrays his strong connection to human and natural life.

Using a more muted, peaceful pallet than Matamoros, Witherow evokes feelings of contentment, pleasure and serenity in most of his pieces.

In his gold-flecked landscape “Lakeside,” the viewer is sitting atop a hill, or a deck near a lake, peering through the sparsely dressed trees, relaxed and sedate at sunset. With the purplish mountain range in the background it could represent almost any fresh-water body in the Northwest.

A similar feeling comes through in “Golden Forrest Sketch,” as the viewer feels as though they are in the midst of a warm-hued clearing in an abstract forest.

In his paintings “Amarillo” and “Boundaries,” the human form comes through in these minimal abstractions that are largely bathed in one, soft hue. He continues to exude peace and contentment through his use of subdued colors, and the relaxed, feminine forms that he draws, especially in “Amarillo.” A partial outline of a woman sitting on the ground, and working on something like a basket, is a quiet scene, and continues Witherow’s connection to nature. It feels as though the figure is at one with her surroundings, and the nature of her silhouette has a strong Native American feel.

Contrast the mellow tones and feelings coming from Witherow’s brush with the vibrant, high-energy pieces of Matamoros, and “Apophenia” reveals all sides of nature – the serene and the fierce.

While Witherow’s still-lifes of recognizable images show the viewer familiar and soothing scenes, Matamoros’ splashes of colors and texture represent a completely different side of nature.

Matamoros’ work is minimal in the form department, but his use of rich colors, layers, scratches and mixed media to add texture create a tangible level of energy and connection for the viewer.

His piece “El Rincon de la Vieja” captures the heat and intensity of Costa Rica’s volcanic hotspot for which the painting is named. Using only varying shades of red and cuts for texture, Matamoros’ representation of the soot, light and heat of a volcanic eruption is impeccable.

Doing a similar color study in blue on a much larger scale in “Aguas Bravas,” the blending of shades and added texture beneath the paint creates a stunning impression of blurrily peering through water. It is an overwhelming representation the element’s power over the earth, and the individual.

Those two pieces are Matamoros’ most impressive works at Gallery Madera because of the intense feeling conveyed through such minimalism. Other works where text and painted lines are incorporated do not appear to be as strong.

View “Apophenia,” the works of Dale Witherow and Angel Matamoros, through Sept. 27 at Gallery Madera, 2210 Court ‘A’. For more information, call (253) 572-1218 or visit www.Gallerymadera.com.

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