The Gallery at Hillside Square and Jazz House Kids will present Jazz on Canvas, a solo exhibition of jazz-inspired paintings by Andres Chaparro from June 17 – August 19. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 17 from 6-9 pm.
Chaparro, a mixed-media artist, shines a light on jazz, America’s original art form. He has been regarded as one the most visionary and captivating artists in the New York metropolitan area. At the age of 13, he made an instant spiritual connection to jazz – this was a defining moment in Chaparro’s life as an artist. In high school, his frequent visits to the Wadsworth Atheneum opened up the world of visual art to him. His artwork is fluid and free, and the paintings reflect more concern for spontaneous emotion rather than traditional conventions, strong color contrast, and distorted subject matter.
“Music plays an important role in my art and jazz is the impetus of all my paintings. I work without premeditation simply following the path that the music and each painting sets forth for me. I like to work with a range of different media which include found objects, collage, spray paint, oil sticks, oil paints, enamel, and acrylic. I describe my work as transcribing jazz music onto canvas,” says Chaparro, who adds, “I would like to extend my gratitude to Melissa Walker, Jazz House, Hillside Gallery, Christian McBride, Lynne T, and all the staff directly involved in making the exhibition come to fruition.”
For the past three years, Jazz House Kids has used images from Chaparro’s work as a backdrop for their annual Montclair Jazz Festival and promotional collateral. This year, Jazz House Kids has chosen one of Chaparro’s works entitled “Albert Ayler’s Cry,” a depiction of the avant-garde jazz saxophonist, singer, and composer. The Montclair Jazz Festival will feature the painting on its souvenir festival t-shirt, program book, and festival merchandise. The image will be prominently featured on street banners promoting the festival throughout Montclair as well. The annual Montclair Jazz Festival will be held this year on Saturday, August 13 from noon – 9 pm at Nishuane Park.
Jazz on Canvas by Andres Chaparro
The Gallery at Hillside Square, 8 Hillside Avenue, Montclair, NJ, 07042
Opening Reception won Friday, June 17 from 6-9 pm / Exhbit hours: Monday -Friday, 7 am – 7 pm
Free