Circles are a common symbol used throughout time to signify unity, wholeness, and infinity. Rita Blitt's paintings and drawings of the oval evolved after she read M.C. Richard's book, Centering in Pottery, Poetry, and the Person. Richard's book explores the idea of "centering" oneself through introspection and accepting the dark and light that make up the whole. Blitt's Ovals series of the 1980s suggests her journey of introspection that culminated in Finding Center and other paintings dominated by an elusive brilliance.
The exhibition was curated by Irwin Blitt Fellow Hyla Ditty. Blitt's biomorphic forms and ovals resonate deeply with Ditty as she seeks to draw parallels between Blitt's exploration of consciousness and her artwork, M.C. Richard's book, and her own search for meaning.
Image above: Rita Blitt, Untitled, oil on canvas
Image below: Rita Blitt, Untitled (from the Li Po Series)