The William Ris Gallery is honored to welcome painter Karl H. Szekielda in his solo exhibition SPACE & COLOR opening on May 25, 2019.

Born in Germany and a long time resident of the Hamptons, one can say Szekielda has led a multi-faceted life, not only geographically but also career-wise. Studying art in Berlin then later receiving a Doctorate in Science from the University of Aix-Marseille in France laid the foundation for what would become a parallel passion for both art and science as Szekielda was offered a Fellowship under NASA interpreting satellite images, then later at the United Nations heading the Remote Sensing Unit as a Senior Fellow, all while interpreting space images and ocean color onto his artwork. Szekielda believes that art is a process that is based both on imagination as well as a thorough understanding of space, color and material flow that leads to an esthetic interpretation.

The influence of science on Szekielda’s artwork led to an invitation by the German Haus in Manhattan to present a solo exhibition as part of the celebration of the “Einstein Year” in 2005. As Renée Phillips, director of Manhattan Arts International, noted, “Science and art are connecting, interspersed and overlapping. His art evokes a sensual and energetic condition of atmospheric light with effortless movement and soft edges.”

During the nearly month long exhibition of SPACE & COLOR , the Gallery will also be hosting a performance of contemporary composer Karlheinz Stockhausen’s Tierkreis (the English title is “Music of the Zodiac”) on June 1 at 8:00 p.m. as part of the Fourth Annual Rites of Spring Festival, to be performed by long time collaborators Cliff Baldwin and Dwight Frizzell. Composed in 1974 for music boxes, each short melody was created for a specific constellation of stars in the Zodiac. What better backdrop for this unique musical experience than with Szekielda’s space inspired paintings.

SPACE & COLOR exhibition will run until Father’s Day, June 16.