#kapsalis

[everydaypanos]

"Kapsalis - To Mantili (S.Miller & T.Goumas Panikos Intro)" by Spirus Miller "A"

[paciniolivia-blog]

Thomas H. Kalsalis Gallery Writeup

The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art opened a solo exhibition of noted Chicago abstractionist Thomas H. Kapsalis on the eve of Friday, June 7th.  The vast, white walls of the gallery were adorned with Kapsalis’ bright and geometric paintings.  Scattered delicately by curator Stanislav Grezdo were Kapsalis’ equally colorful sculptures of different mediums.  Art enthusiasts of all ages streamed into the gallery to view the bold lines and abstract, yet balanced, frenzy that is Kapsalis’ work.

  Kapsalis was continuously surrounded by past students and friends, and warmly greeted each and every one with a smile and an embrace. A World War II veteran, Kapsalis has been quoted saying that he wastes no time being angry.  His calm and gentle demeanor reflected this promise.  He spoke modestly of his art, and even strummed the tall iron bars of his sculpture “Lines”, showing those around him its interactivity.

  He attended college at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and taught at the school for over 50 years. During his time at the Institute and abroad in Germany, he reflected on how his educators affected his style.  Willie Baumeister’s works of cubism and impressionism especially made an imprint on Kapsalis’ paintings. “I want to achieve a spiritual equilibrium with my art,” Kapsalis said of his work.  He drew much of his inspiration from cubist painters such as Pablo Picasso, but his works stand completely on their own and are assuredly one of a kind.  Kapsalis’ paintings and sculptures will be on display until August 4th, 2013.