Art Capsules: The Contemporary Art Scene in Central Florida and Beyond

Art Capsules: The Contemporary Art Scene in Central Florida and Beyond assembles a collection of short essays covering the contemporary visual arts scene in Central Florida and the inflow of past and present-day streams of creativity from afar. Beautifully designed and handsomely illustrated with representative works by the artists discussed, this volume is a keepsake for those with a keen interest in contemporary visual arts, particularly art connected with Florida. Modern-day artists presented include the mathematically-oriented digital artist Nathan Selikoff; Doug Rhodehamel, self-described as someone who "makes stuff" such as paper bag mushrooms and plastic bottle jellyfish; Brigan Gresh, whose visual narrative is born deep within and ultimately offers hope and a promise of transcendence; visual diarist Martha L. Lent, for whom everyday objects celebrate women, domesticity, and traditional American crafts; the evocative surrealist painter Leonora Carrington; and many others. To establish a historical context for the art scene in Florida, the author considers the varied contributions of artists like El Greco, Francisco Goya, Salvador Dali, Maxfield Parrish, and Herman Herzog. These art "capsules" provide a summary of ideas as well as a measure of nourishment for those mindful of the impressive contemporary art scene in Central Florida.