SALINA ART CENTER 2007/2008 ANNUAL REPORT

Strange World: Jon Rappleye
September 6 through December 16, 2007
The paintings of Jon Rappleye evoked ideas of homespun
fairy tales, combining investigations of cultural folklore with his
own personal mythology. Within fantastic worlds abounding
with flora, fauna, and hybrid creatures, the New Jersey artist
explored the impact of technology on ecology. Animals
inhabited unfamiliar terrains, tree trunks assumed strange
anthropomorphic shapes, and skies ranged in color from
verdant green to industrial yellow. Through his paintings
Rappleye utilized nature as a vehicle to explore the
boundaries of reality and artifice, leaving mankind’s impact
on the environment blurred and open to question.
Organized by the Salina Art Center. Special thanks to the
Artist, Lenders, and Jeff Bailey Gallery, New York, for helping
make this exhibition possible.
Jon Rappleye
In the Tremble this Nature Abounds
2007
Acrylic on paper
40” x 52”
Courtesy of the Artist and
the Jeff Bailey Gallery, New York