For decades, Lesley Art + Design faculty member Eugene Dorgan has been known for his meticulously observed charcoal portraits. Becoming Color introduces a striking new direction in his practice through 37 geometric paintings exploring color, light, and perception.
The series grew out of Dorgan’s own teaching at LA+D during the COVID-19 pandemic. While developing color-grid exercises to encourage his students to slow down and consider the relationships between colors, he became increasingly fascinated by the grids themselves and their possibilities beyond the classroom. What began as a practical teaching exercise gradually opened a new direction in his studio practice.
Created in gouache and coated in resin, the paintings explore how relationships between colors are heightened and transformed by light and reflection. Though seemingly far removed from Dorgan’s figurative work, Becoming Color continues his longstanding investigation into how we see, and how subtle visual relationships can transform what we perceive.
A public reception will be held on September 24, from 5-7pm
Becoming Color: New Work by Eugene Dorgan
On view at The Raizes Gallery, Lesley Art + Design
1801 Mass Ave., Porter Square, Cambridge
Lesley University students, faculty, and staff may visit the exhibition during the following hours through October 4:
Monday–Wednesday & Friday: 9am–6pm
Thursday: 9am–8pm
Saturday–Sunday: 12–5pm