Two large, abstract canvases anchor about a dozen smaller pieces in Brian Rutenberg’s show at Rhode Island College. The artist has lived in New York since 1987, but his paintings are closely tied to the landscapes of his South Carolina upbringing. His smaller works appeal from a distance, but up close you can really sense the intensity of the many globby paint layers. Unfortunately, these paintings on paper are mounted with dull linen mattes and framed behind glass, which kind of kills the effect. (Side note: cheers to RIC for keeping their gallery open until 8pm every night.)
Brian Rutenberg
