Bright hues splayed across oddly shaped canvases define the new exhibition housed in Rockport Center for the Arts (RCA). Geometric abstractionist Nichole Gronvold-Roller presents A Quiet Saunter, a collection of paintings that brings audiences a modern take on bold palettes, domestic patterns and an eloquent use of shadows found within canvas movements of the mid-1900s.
Gronvold-Roller describes her journey into abstraction as acknowledging and embracing the vast history of the art form that came before her in a way that, “intersects fine art, architecture and design.” She hopes her art piques the interest of each observer, inviting them to marvel at the intricacies of her linework and shapes.
The incorporation of ‘60s wallpaper designs and patterns inspired by the arts and crafts movement of the era allow for a finished product that, as described by the artist, presents itself in a modern take challenging the limitations of classic geometric abstractionism.
“I selectively incorporate hard-edged elements from the late 1950s and early 1960s, influencing the shaped canvas movement,” shared Gronvold-Roller in her description of the collection. “However, I openly challenge its history of minimalism, unadorned/unmodulated planes of color and rejection of the illusion of space.”
Gronvold-Roller graduated from Minnesota State University of Moorhead with her BFA in Art Education, later receiving an MA from Boston University and an additional MA from Bradley University in Studio Arts. Her artistry has touched land across the U.S. and the world, from New York City museums to displays in Greece and a prospective Artist Residency in Orquevaux, France in 2025.
Aside from being a world-renowned painter, Gronvold-Roller also teaches art full-time at a high school in Tremont, Illinois, where she has resided with her husband and three children for the last 26 years. Her landing in the Coastal Bend this summer brings a source of great excitement to museum curators.
“What I most appreciate about the artist’s practice is her ability to transmute the every day into such marvelous works of art,” said Catey Arnold, The Barrow Foundation Curator of Exhibitions for RCA, in a press release. “I think many will find Gronvold-Roller’s paintings captivating and inspiring.”
A Quiet Saunter will remain on display at the center’s H-E-B Gallery until June 16. The RCA opens six times a week and, with no admission fees, offers a great opportunity to support your local galleries and spend some time out of the house this summer vacation.
