Ankeney photography to be featured at FMAAA

FORT MADISON -  Rich Ankeney is a photographer influenced by music who has sought out a way to incorporate his impressions of it into abstract visuals created through an interdisciplinary media and technological approach. His musical inspiration results in strong color combinations to create rhythmic and harmonic energy.
Everyone is invited to the Opening Reception on Thursday, July 2 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the FMAAA Art Center located at 825 Avenue G (next to the Fox Theater) in Fort Madison, IA. The artist will be on hand. Please stop in to enjoy complementary beverages and light nibbles. Take a minute to introduce yourself and welcome him to our community! The FMAAA thanks Your Heat and Air Guy for the generous sponsorship to offset the direct costs of hosting this month’s gallery exhibition. This exhibition will be on display July 2 – 31, Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ankeney indicates that his work is not developed using a single technology, method, process or subject, but rather is, ”a sustained engagement with the fundamental elements of art and the mechanics of viewing.” His work is heavily influenced by the Fauves, early Abstract Expressionists and Kandinsky from the early 20th century, during a period of intensely newly expressive techniques and imagery unfolding within the backdrop of global change.

Ankeney states that he tries to “capture the rhythmic, melodic and harmonic energy of music, especially Jazz.” He uses strong color combinations to visually imply a pulsating rhythm, complex harmonies and subtle discord. Melody (as a subject matter) is downplayed or absent. He creates “a dynamic reorganization of the artist elements… abstracting creates variations by manipulating line, form, and color in a kind of pictorial counterpoint.” Human figures are in no way a representation, but where they appear they function more as a symbol of elemental and artistic forces and energy.

Rich Ankeney is an artist and photographer from Galesburg, Illinois, with over 50 years of experience in photography. His work spans various technologies, methods, and subjects, focusing on the fundamental elements of art and the mechanics of viewing. He holds degrees in painting and photography, art education, and instructional technology. Ankeney has taught art and photography at Carl Sandburg College for over 25 years. And received an Outstanding Alumni Award from the Art Department at Quincy University in 2002.

Lunch ala Art, a lunch and gallery talk, begins at noon on Friday, July 31. Ankeney will be on hand to discuss his artwork and artistic process. Lunch is $12 per person. Reservations are recommended if you intend to eat lunch; otherwise, feel free to come for the gallery talk which begins at approximately 12:40 p.m.  Make your reservations online via the Calendar tab on fortmadisonart.com or by calling 319-372-3996. All reservations are due prior to noon on the Wednesday before the lunchtime artist talk.

The FMAAA Art Center will feature mixed media fiber work by Ann Canida, an art instructor at Central Lee, in the Main Gallery during the month of August.