Mango Tango presents two divergent shows Jan. 25 from 5:30 until 8:30.
While W B Thompson has created his mixed-media exhibition here in St.Thomas, Don Dahlke, formerly of St. Croix and San Miguel de Allende, Mexico has created his oil-on-canvas paintings in Oregon.
Donald Laurent Dahlke’s first show at Mango Tango was in 1990. At that time he was developing his whimsical figurative style with great success. Almost 10 years later, Thompson asked to work with the gallery, noting that Mango Tango’s affiliation with the talented Dahlke interested him.
Both artists make the Virgin Islands proud. Both have developed different styles snapped up by avid collectors. In addition to Dahlke’s whimsical style, his portal style has garnered him international recognition. In 2002, he was selected for a solo exhibition at Museo de las Americas in San Juan, Puerto Rico for his abstract endeavors.
In 2008, Thompson was chosen along with 11 other Caribbean and Latin American artists to participate in an Absolut Vodka art collaboration entitled Absolut mmVodka Connections. Thompson joins Andy Warhol and Keith Haring and 300 other recognized painters, sculptors, and photographers who rendered their unique artistic interpretation of the bottle.
Dahlke’s exhibition includes four different styles: his portals, florals, layered figurative, and early whisicals. The portals create a window on the Caribbean where the viewer can dream. The florals are more spontaneous and include abstract compositions. The layered figurative style is called “We the People” and addresses sexual and racial inequality. Additionally, he includes a 40 by 60 inch vintage whimsical of islanders painted in St. Croix.
Thompson continues with his “Controlling Chaos with Color” technique which includes the initial drawing with conte pencil, painting with acrylic paint, and outlining with large oil pastel sticks. On view and for sale will be several island scenes and florals, the largest of which is a 8 by 5 foot painting of the harbor. He has also created three-dimensional assemblages, that is paintings with cut out layers.
Dahlke notes that he “is a multifaceted artist working in a variety of approaches and an assortment of media. My goal in creating art is not about seeking approval, but about developing a process that asks the questions of what art can be, how it can change, how we look at art and not limited to repeating a concept. Overall, I am an artist uninspired by trends and driven by my own devices.”
Thompson explains that the works included in this show are his most recent works. “I have been evolving with my cut-out assemblages that are three-dimensional layered collages. The Caribbean landscape and harbor always provide a never ending inspiration. Over the years I have watched Dahlke’s many deep dives into realism, abstraction, and surrealism. We both work with other galleries, but sharing this venue with him as a part of Team Mango Tango is an honor.”
Please note that Thompson opened another show last Friday night at 81c. Gallery owner Jane Coombes sighs that “I am jealous of the dynamic mammoth-sized assemblage of a scratch band. But truthfully, 81c had just the wall on which to showcase Thompson’s talent to the new gallery’s followers, a gallery which is open Monday through Friday from 5 to 8pm.”
Guitar virtuoso Louis Taylor and maestro conga drummer Ras Abu will offer jazzy tunes in the parking lot where spirits and appetizers with be served. Inside, the walls will be brimming with new art.
The show continues for one month. To view the show, visit the gallery’s website: mangotangoart.com. For more information call 340 777 3060.
