“Divine Providence.” A common phrase, especially in theological discussions. It is also the title of an art exhibit at the Waterfire Arts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The artist, Umberto Crenca, plied his skills from 2020 until the present, with a few of the works exhibited still in progress. The works are displayed in strict chronological order, starting from the left and going around clockwise.
All told, there are over 265 paintings. That’s a lot of paint!
Crena’s approach is to paint from photographs, and that is clear from the images displayed. Some paintings display technical skills, others some painterly quality. Consider these two:
One gets a certain feel for what the city of Providence is from this exhibit. There are a lot of cars, but few people. There are minimal seasonal changes. One painting has snow it it, another presents Christmas decorations. I don’t know what might account for these editorial decisions.
My question, however, is whether this does, indeed, reflect what Providence is like. Judge for yourself from this small, but representative selection. Feel free to comment on your reaction to paintings made from photographs, or even photographs made to look like paintings.
Those are nice paintings! And a lot of work, obviously. I have not been back to Providence for about 10 years (and that was a day trip from VT); but I do remember it as being rather busy with people. Maybe the artist is more interested in buildings, etc., than people.
City Halls of the period from RI west into Ohio are very much alike. The grand large homes generally disappear unless labeled historic or tuned into offices or boarding homes. Migration includes architecture and so- called development. THe land gradually changes as we and nature do –a matter of who’s in control or tries to take over life. I’m surre Providence has its unique niches as a city and location.