Bruce Pipman’s whimsical creations are innovative paintings which are full of color, energy and love. His show, "Magic Realism" runs during August in the Penn State New Kensington art gallery.
“Magic Realism”
Faces, Women, Fish and Words
Local artist Bruce Pipman blends images with words as his solo exhibit returns in August to the Penn State New Kensington Art Gallery.
Working with acrylic and ink, Pipman’s affectional art reflects the emotions of desire, romance and love. “Magic Realism” is a series of whimsical creations, such as fish, birds, and women, are metaphors for the nature of man. More than 50 pieces are on display.
“I believe that the truth in life lies beneath the surface and in my paintings I try to scratch at that surface,” said Pipman, who has been painting for 11 years. “I try to create a more focused experience for the viewer by writing on my paintings.”
A resident of New Kensington, Pipman previously exhibited at the campus a year ago. After viewing Pipman’s work at Art After Dark in Lawrenceville, a neighborhood of Pittsburgh, Bud Gibbons, professor emeritus of visual arts at the campus, suggested a one-man show in the New Kensington gallery. Pipman’s work follows Lower Burrell artists Ted Scanga and Patti Giordano’s exhibit which concludes July 31.
“I am excited about having an opportunity to exhibit my paintings in my hometown,” Pipman said. “Bud has been an inspiration to me as a local artist. I have been attending his art shows for years.”
Pipman holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Kent State University. He worked as a consultant and recruiter in the technology and engineering fields with various companies in the region before retiring and devoting his time to painting.
The artist has ties to Penn State. His wife, Millie, was an adjunct professor of English at the campus and their sons are Penn State graduates.
A reception to meet the artist is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, in the gallery. The reception and exhibit are free to the public. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends.
For more information, call 724-334-6056.