Travis David Smith and Emanuel Ranny

February 5th - March 1st, 2009

Opening reception Thursday, February 5th, 6 - 8pm

Gallery IMA is pleased to present the works of Travis David Smith and Emanuel Ranny!

Travis David Smith, Bridges and Beds, 12" x 12", Acrylic on Canvas

Introducing
Travis David Smith, a recent graduate of the University of Montana, examines the balances and stresses of human interactions.  Smith’s work is defined by subtlety and separations, which convey a feeling of tension, isolation or distress similar to that which we feel in everyday environments.  It serves as a description of the ways in which opposing forces have influenced human contact throughout history.  In his work, restrained lines paired with a discriminate use of bold colors represent the delicate yet severe strain that takes place within common associations.

Since 2003, Smith has had numerous group and solo shows around the country and, in 2005, earned the prestigious Artist Collective Award at the University of Montana.  This is his first show with Gallery IMA.

Emanuel Ranny, Autumn, Lithograph on Paper, 39/60, 27” x 21”

Emanuel Ranny, an accomplished Czech artist, presents an exploration of mark making using sensitive strokes- gently building mass, texture and negative space resulting in contemplative compositions vaguely reminiscent of a landscape. Groups of lines record both the artist’s individual experience and the collective wisdom of past generations. Ranny’s palate is restrained often using black ink on white paper or neutral tones.

Mr. Ranný’s work, which bears little resemblance to any other Czech artist, can be described as lyrical, meditative, and even fragile. He made his U.S. debut in 1996, and is displayed in Oregon’s Portland Art Museum, the National Gallery in Prague, and the Bavarian National Library in Munich.  His work is also shown in the Institute for Art and Culture in Catania, Italy, and the Prefectural Gallery in Kanagawa, Japan.