Rattle and Hum : Abstract Artists Strike a Chord at the Galli Curci Theater

Abstract Artists Strike a Chord at the Galli Curci Theater

Margaretville was buzzing Friday evening as Arena Arts Initiative welcomed
visitors to Rattle and Hum, a vibrant exhibition of abstract art curated by Deven Golden
at Galli-Curci Project Space. Featuring sixteen accomplished artists, the exhibition
demonstrates that while the Catskills remain celebrated for their landscape tradition,
abstraction has developed an equally compelling place within the region's creative
community.
The title Rattle and Hum evokes the rhythms of music as much as painting.
Borrowed from the name of a Manhattan bar that Golden once passed, it also recalls
the emotional energy of U2's celebrated album and film. The exhibition encourages
viewers to think less about analyzing paintings and more about experiencing them
through instinct and feeling.
Organizer Brent Rumage explained that this year's exhibition marks the fifth
annual presentation by Arena Arts Initiative and the first collaboration between himself
and Golden."This is our fifth year," Rumage said. "Deven curated the show with sixteen
artists, primarily abstract painters."
Rumage described the exhibition's central idea as the different emotional
reactions viewers may have when encountering a work of art. "Sometimes you see a
work and it rattles you," he said. "Sometimes it hums. With a little reflection, those
feelings can switch. This is a show that intends to both rattle and hum."
While abstract art is often associated with large metropolitan galleries, Golden
pointed out that thirteen of the sixteen participating artists have homes in the Catskills or
spend significant time in the region. Only three artists were invited from New York City.
"I didn't really think of it as an upstate versus city thing," Golden said. "I knew all these
artists, and I've known many of them for years."
Golden explained that the exhibition grew from a simple realization while visiting
an artist's studio years ago. "I was thinking how his paintings hurt," he recalled. "Then I
started thinking things either rattle or they hum." That observation eventually became
the foundation for an exhibition centered on emotional response rather than academic
interpretation. "Enough with the theory, language and text," Golden said. "People
experience painting. I wanted to focus on how you feel when you look at the painting,
not what you think about it."
Golden's decades of experience as an artist, curator and gallery director gave
him confidence in assembling the exhibition. Having previously directed galleries in
Chicago, Soho and Chelsea before becoming a full-time artist himself, he relied upon
long-established relationships with participating artists. Despite expecting months of
logistical challenges, the entire process unfolded with surprising ease. "Everyone said

yes right away," Golden said. "All the paperwork came back immediately." Even the
installation exceeded his expectations. "I gave myself a week," he said. "It only took two
hours to lay it out."
Among the many memorable works, Dave Ortiz offered colorful interpretations
inspired by rural life, transforming familiar barns and farm animals into lively
compositions built through bold design and imaginative color relationships. His paintings
demonstrated how abstraction can remain deeply connected to place while moving
beyond literal representation.
Gory Gissler explored themes drawn from classic literature, creating paintings
that encouraged viewers to consider emotion, memory and imagination rather than
narrative alone. Each composition invited personal interpretation while revealing
remarkable technical confidence. Beth Reismon's paintings radiated with rich reds and
luminous color harmonies that seemed to pulse with organic energy. Her work
demonstrated how color itself can become the primary subject, creating emotional
intensity without relying on recognizable imagery.
Donna Tadelmon contributed some of the exhibition's most playful moments. Her
energetic patterns and rhythmic compositions delighted viewers, pulling the eye across
each surface with an infectious sense of movement and joy.
The exhibition also features work by Gory Stephan, Michele Araujo, Suzanne
Joelson, Colin Thomson, Jeffrey Bishop, Rick Brigg, Don Voisine, Lindsay Walt, Onane
Stender, Adam Simon and Natashe Sweeten, creating an impressive survey of
contemporary abstract painting from artists working throughout the region and beyond.
For Golden, however, the greatest satisfaction came not from the successful opening
reception but from seeing the artists pleased with the final presentation. "I'm happy that
the artists are happy," he said. "I'm happy that nobody feels they were put in a corner."
Ultimately, he admitted the exhibition was also deeply personal."What if you
could have a room, get a bunch of artists you like, and make the show that you want to
see?" Golden said. "I got to do that."
As visitors wandered through the gallery, pausing before paintings that
alternately challenged, soothed and surprised them, the evening concluded with a
renewed appreciation for the richness of contemporary abstract art in the Catskills.
Golden's enthusiasm never felt burdened by the responsibilities of curating. Instead, it
reflected the genuine joy of someone who continues to be inspired by painting after
decades in the art world. His uplifting spirit carried throughout the exhibition, inviting
viewers to slow down, trust their own emotional responses and rediscover the simple
wonder that fine art can inspire.