Art Critique: Michael Tunney Review of the Canisius College Exhibit

Jan. 12, 2006

Valentin Melik showed at Canisius College's Peter A. and Mary Lou Vogt Gallery from 7 October to 3 November  2005.  Judging by either the popular or critical standard, the show was a singular success.  The artist selected current figure and portrait studies as well as some earlier still life paintings for his display to the collegiate audience.  Across every work was a rigorous formal character that speaks to Melik's complete dedication to the ages-old and always engaging academy tradition.

'Still Life with an Iron,' the image announcing the show in the ArtsCanisius 2005-06 brochure, was a favorite of many students and college staff who saw the show.  They appreciated the rich earth tones and the vertical rise in the objects rendered in this composition.  Sharper eyes also noted the raking diagonal shadows and the highlights that described the varied textures of the iron, garlic clusters and looped rope.  One observed the top horizontal of a rear wall left to show above the coarse, curtained space.  He rightly appreciated the added depth and value contrast this brings to the work, as well as the emphasis it placed on the still life as a staged motif.

In addition to the two portrait drawings, one an over-sized composition entitled 'George,' a strong and proud tribute to a devoted family member, were two smaller figure studies.  Student reviewers were impressed by the cross-hatch technique, finally seeing in a 'real' artwork what they had studied in slide and PowerPoint presentations in class.  They noted the confident and repeated strokes necessary for this line technique's success.  They were also intrigued by the lighter sketching and detail studies left on the drawing surfaces.  One student observed appreciatively the quality of time that such combined sketching and drawing captures and reveals on the drawing surface.

Far and away the favorite work of the intimate drawing and painting show was 'Julie,' an oil study of a young woman.  Her face appears to be emerging, from what and where?  The green in the background suggests a doorway or wall, some thought.  The outdoors, another wrote.  The expression of ease and self-confidence ultimately drew and held their attention to her face: youth and beauty kindly observed and forever observable in an oil sketch.

Valentin Melik's youth and early accomplishments bode very well for his future.  Even as I admire and respect tremendously his academy training and skill, I look forward to future years of growth for him.  I look forward to seeing what compositions he will conceive and set up and execute when left totally to his own devices and creativity.  In the meantime, you, viewer, have this new show to see and appreciate.  What do you see in Valentin Melik's works?  Enjoy and appreciate and savor all of them!

Michael F. Tunney, S.J.

Canisius College

Fine Arts Department

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