JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Colorful works of art capturing the layered and complex existence of humanity highlight this collection.
The “Synthetic World!” exhibition by Abraham Onkst is on display Saturday through Feb. 23 in the Goldhaber-Fend Fine Arts Center gallery at the Community Arts Center of Cambria County, 1217 Menoher Blvd., Westmont.
The exhibition features more than 20 abstract and expressionistic acrylic paintings that have been inspired by living and experiencing life in the modern world.
“The most impactful works are the ones where you can tell the artist put heart and soul into every detail,” said Onkst, a Hollidaysburg resident. “That is what attracts me to art.”
The exhibition explores ideas regarding living in an increasingly synthetic world, and it creates a conversation about how new tools and technologies such as artificial intelligence will influence art in the future.
“I would describe this show as a commentary on what I’m observing throughout my own life and taking inspiration from life events,” Onkst said.
He said that while he isn’t against using artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance creativity, the exhibition exists as a sort of counterpoint to digital expansion and focuses on the human connection to the artwork.
“My artwork is currently more about the human aspect and creating a connection between artist and the art world,” Onkst said.
The works stylistically focus on mark-making, layering, textures, movement and color, and are characterized by flowing layers, serendipitous splatters, action, movement and emotion.
Onkst often encodes words, motifs, numbers and symbols in his works.
Each piece he creates is its own, engulfing a universe that invites the viewer to experience it, he said.
“This is my first time exhibiting in Johnstown, so I’m excited to see all the paintings up in that really nice space,” Onkst said. “It’s exciting to bring my work to a new area of Pennsylvania.”
The exhibition also features several of the tools and items that are essential to the studio process of the artist, giving viewers a look into the creation of the pieces.
“I’m planning to have my artist table along with some brushes and my easel,” Onkst said.
“I wanted to include those items to speak back to the whole aspect of the human involved in creating the work. On the table, you can see where I wipe the brush on it, so it’s showing behind the scenes on how some of the stuff is made.”
He said he gains inspiration from experiences.
“It’s going out into the world and experiencing different things, whether it’s nature or human interaction,” Onkst said. “I gather all this energy that I experience out in the world and let that come through me. I think of myself as a sponge absorbing everything, and the studio is where I let everything come out.”
Onkst graduated with a bachelor’s degree in visual art studies from Penn State in 2023, and he plans to study for his master’s degree in painting.
“I hope people see my show as a breath of fresh air, and take away something that they might not have experienced otherwise,” he said.
Angela R. Godin, executive director of the arts center, said that upon meeting Onkst, she was intrigued by his work.
“Abraham’s style is not only fascinating, but powerfully stylized with his special flair and layering of color in synchronous pattern,” she said. “His work provides an alluring intrigue that makes you wonder what lies beneath. I believe that audiences will be captivated by his works while deeply investigating each piece for their own personal interpretation.”
To celebrate the exhibition, a wine and cheese opening reception will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday. Onkst will be on hand to discuss the pieces in the show and his artistic process.
“It’s an enjoyable experience to display my work and see how people respond to it,” he said.
There is no fee to attend the reception, which is sponsored by the Barbara & Elmer Laslo Cultural Heritage.
A video tour of the works of art will be available on the arts center’s YouTube and Facebook page following the opening of the exhibition.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.
There is no admission fee to view the exhibition.
For more information, call 814-255-6515 or visit www.caccc.org.
