SFCC Visual Arts Gallery Presents: The Unfolding of Abstraction

coda abstract art piece

SANTA FE, NM – Santa Fe Community College’s Visual Arts Gallery presents The Unfolding of Abstraction An Exhibition of Paintings by Melvin Detroit. The opening reception is Thurs., Sept. 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. in the gallery. The exhibit continues through October 22.

Santa Fe artist Melvin Detroit’s The Unfolding of Abstraction showcases an impressive body of hard-edge geometric works that are resplendent in hi-chroma relationships, an abundance of color and design. Detroit explains The Unfolding of Abstraction as a work that will ultimately be a one kilometer-long, acrylic-on-canvas painting. This project represents the development in a single work where abstract ideas improvise, change, and integrate as the work unfolds. Viewers can participate using an interactive rolling device that gives individuals the opportunity to view the piece on a table in the same manner as it was created.

The dual aspects of this exhibition are intriguing as they reveal Detroit’s philosophical and intellectual interest in the development of abstract works. Following his belief that “there is no such thing as too much color,” Detroit passionately employs vibrant palettes in his tightly engineered paintings.

Brian Finney, Professor Emeritus of California State University who has known Detroit for many years, states, “The kilometer project offers a fascinating insight into how the language of abstraction creates its one narrative, using its own language of color, shape, and design. He is creating a self-contained world of vibrant colors and sharp-edged shapes that interact in increasingly new and complex ways. He invites a more intense appreciation of the language and impact of abstraction.” Clark Baughan, SFCC Director of Galleries, observes, “I’ve always been impressed by Mr. Detroit’s work. He’s a multi-talented individual who know what he wants from his work and what it communicates. This is a very cohesive exhibition that presents a body of work from a mature and accomplished artist. A must-see!”

This exhibit includes these special events:

  •       Sept. 1: Opening Reception, 5 to 7 p.m.
  •       Sept. 8: Artist’s Talk with Melvin Detroit. 1 – 2:30 p.m.

Both events take place in the Visual Arts Gallery on the SFCC campus.

Melvin Detroit was born in Norfolk, Virginia. The son of a naval officer, he spent his early years living in Cuba and Panama, then California. Detroit studied at UC Berkeley, Croydon College of Art, England, and the University of New Mexico. After graduating from UC Berkeley (B.A., M.A.), Detroit developed his professional career in Los Angeles as a graphic designer/manufacturer and retailer and painter. He worked in France as design director on a chateau renovation project, and lived in Venice, California before moving to Santa Fe in 1989. Detroit taught for many years at Turquoise Trail Charter School where he developed and nurtured a widely acclaimed visual arts program. During this time Detroit received innovation in education grants and awards from organizations such as PNM and the Points of Light Foundation. Detroit participated in Teach with O’Keeffe a collaborative project with the Whitney Museum, the Phillips Collection, and the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.

SFCC’s Visual Arts Gallery is open to the public, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. Admission is free. For information, contact Clark Baughan at clark.baughan@sfcc.edu or 505-428-1501 or visit the Visual Arts Gallery. Images attached; additional images available.


Santa Fe Community College celebrates its 40th Anniversary as the pathway to success for individuals and the community. SFCC provides affordable, high-quality programs that serve the academic, cultural, and economic needs of the community. The college welcomes over 10,000 students per year in credit, noncredit, workforce training, personal enrichment, and adult programs.
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