Aug 3 - Sept 11, 2015: "The Multi-faceted Norman Abbey"

Aug 3 - Sept 11, 2015

It is with great pride that Pasadena City College presents this sampling of the varied and skillful works of professor emeritus Norman Abbey. Throughout the many stages of his art career, Abbey has explored a wide range of mediums including painting, graphic design and photography.

After earning his degree in Visual Arts from UCLA in 1958, Abbey taught in Germany and Paris before joining the faculty at PCC in 1962. He then established a successful graphic design/photography business that thrived for 40 years.

As one peruses the works in the show, one witnesses the changing social perspectives of the United States throughout the decades. We see the optimistic 50’s, the tumultuous 60’s, the retro and whimsically playful 70’s, and the 80’s embrace of corporate dominance. Abbey’s astute explorations into experimental photographic processes contribute significantly to his encapsulation of the ethos of each era. Of particularly striking effect is his use of transparent photographic overlays in “Vietnam Tragedy, 1975” in which his techniques provide a perfect visual metaphor for the multiple and conflicting viewpoints during that era of soul-searching rebellion and unrest. Throughout Abbey’s body of work, his refined sense of design is evident in his effective use of pattern and texture in his artful compositions.

In addition to his 1969 show at the Downey Museum of Art, Abbey received a Purchase Prize from the Long Beach Museum of Art as well as numerous regional awards throughout the years. It is with great pleasure that the galleries at Pasadena City College present the work of this multi-faceted artist, Norman Abbey.

Opening Reception: Friday, August 21, 2015, 6:00 -9:00pm

Closing reception: Thurs, Sept. 10, 12:00-1:00 pm (coincides with faculty show reception)

All events are free and open to the public. Visitor parking is available on campus for $2.

This exhibition is made possible by the support of the Pasadena Art Alliance, the PCC Foundation, the Office of the President of PCC and the Division of Visual Arts and Media Studies.