Salem State University Art + Design professor Benjamin Gross presents an exhibition of his work in the university’s Winfisky Gallery February 7 – March 4. The exhibition titled “Underlying Meanings” features new work created by Gross during his spring 2021 sabbatical. Gallery hours are 10am – 4pm Monday through Friday. The gallery is located on the ground floor of the Ellison Campus Center, North Campus.
The work on display intertwines printmaking and color theory which is pedagogically linked to Gross’s teaching. The exhibition includes “Underlying Meanings” a series of 12 editions of prints, “Mini Meanings” a series of 18 editions of prints, and some figurative work as well. “Underlying Meanings” is a combination of abstract compositions that use color theory to create the illusion of transparency and color mixing. The non-objective compositions illustrate how humans perceive color and the visual effects of how overlapping colors mix, balance, or contrast with each other. Gross says about this exhibition, “My artwork allows the viewer to find parallels between the abstract subject matter and their own experience / perception.”
An Artist Talk will take place on Zoom February 9, 12:30 pm. Please register at www.salemstatetickets.com for access. There will be a public reception on Wednesday, February 16 from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm in the Ellison Campus Center. Campus guests are expected to follow all university Covid-19 protocols which includes wearing masks while inside campus spaces.
About the Artist
Benjamin Gross, Professor in the Art + Design Department at Salem State University since 1997, earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Delaware and a Master of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He is a member of The Boston Printmakers. His work has been exhibited in regional, national, and international solo and group exhibitions. Gross’s artwork is exhibited daily on his website at www.benjamingrossart.com and https://www.instagram.com/benjamingrossart/ on Instagram.
About the Center for Creative and Performing Arts
Salem State’s Center for Creative and Performing Arts (CCPA) provides the arts explorer a singular destination to experience world-class guest artists and award-winning student and faculty performances in dance, music and theatre as well as art exhibitions and spoken word events. The CCPA is committed to providing diverse, inclusive and affordable arts experiences to the communities on Boston’s north shore. Visit https://salemstate.edu/arts for calendar information.
About Salem State University
Salem State University, established in 1854, is a comprehensive, public institution of higher learning located approximately 15 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. One of the largest state universities in the Commonwealth, Salem State enrolls about 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It offers 32 undergraduate programs and graduate programs that offer degrees in 24 fields. The university also has a continuing education division that offers both credit and non-credit programs. Known for the academic strength of its faculty, Salem State was named a Top Producer of U.S. Fulbright Scholars in 2011 and for the 2016-2017 academic year. The university is designated a Top College and University by Military Advanced Education and a Best for Vets College by Military Times. Salem State proudly participates in the National Study of Learning, Voting, and Engagement and has shown a student voting rate well above the national average, earning the university a gold seal from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge.
