NATURE ABSTRACTED at Museum of Sonoma County
"Nature Abstracted”
Museum of Sonoma County
Exhibition June 17 – November 5, 2023
Opening Reception Saturday, June 17 from 3 - 5pm, Artists will be present
MUSEUM OF SONOMA COUNTY
425 Seventh Street
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
Museum Hours
Wednesday - Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm
Admission: Adults: $7, Seniors 62+, Students, People with Disabilities: $5
Museum Members: FREE. Children 12 & under: FREE
FREE Family Days on 2nd Saturdays
July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14, 2023
Santa Rosa, CA – (April 17) The Museum of Sonoma County (MSC) is pleased to announce the exhibition
Nature Abstracted: Chiyomi T. Longo, Bob Nugent, and Younhee C. Paik on view June 17 - November 5, 2023.
This exhibition features three Bay Area artists who make abstract art inspired by nature. Through their different
styles and techniques, the artists demonstrate their deep shared love and respect for the environment and
humanity’s relationship to the natural world.
Bob Nugent “Perdido II” (Lost), 2020, Oil on Linen,
48” x 64”
Santa Rosa, CA – (April 17) The Museum of Sonoma County (MSC) is pleased to announce the exhibition
Nature Abstracted: Chiyomi T. Longo, Bob Nugent, and Younhee C. Paik on view June 17 - November 5, 2023.
This exhibition features three Bay Area artists who make abstract art inspired by nature. Through their different
styles and techniques, the artists demonstrate their deep shared love and respect for the environment and
humanity’s relationship to the natural world.
A Space to Rest, Reflect, and Become Restored
At its heart, Nature Abstracted invites the public to explore the beauty of nature through the lens of three unique
Bay Area artists. Given the trauma woven into our lives, the exhibition will feature artworks selected for their
beauty, expressive emotion, and transformative quality, brought together to create a contemplative and
restorative gallery environment.
Museum director and curator Jeff Nathanson commented, “An exhibition of reflection and beauty will be a
welcome addition to our gallery schedule, which of late has primarily addressed a range of socio-political, cultural,
and historical topics.”
The artists have distinctly different approaches, yet Longo, Nugent, and Paik are connected by an intuitive and
spiritual approach to their creative practice and process. Their paintings provide viewers with a visceral experience
of the transformative and healing power of nature, all reflecting a depth of emotions inspired and informed by the
artists’ personal experience.
Approximately 30 works will be featured, giving each artist the space for a broad exploration of their works, which
in turn offers visitors a deeper perspective on their vision and journey. This is the first exhibition at the Museum of
Sonoma County for the three acclaimed Bay Area artists.
Above image: Younhee C. Paik, "17 Days at the Baltic Sea," 2014, Oil and Mixed Media on Canvas and Aluminum, 91" x 195"
The Artists
• Chiyomi Taneike Longo’s work is inspired by the beauty of the natural world and her paintings often
feature colors and organic shapes that evoke a sense of movement and energy. She was born in Japan,
received her MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute, and has been a Santa Rosa resident for over three
decades. Critic Peter Frank described Longo’s work as “...an art of lucidity and concentration invested in
striking passion and sensuousness.”
• Bob Nugent, who lives and works in Healdsburg, divides his time between Sonoma County and Brazil. Much
of his work is informed by his time in the rain forest, his relationship with the indigenous people who
inspire him, and his exploration of shamanism. Nugent describes his process by using the Portuguese word
“Sentido”, that has to do with experiencing things with all one’s senses. The work also reflects his dismay
over the tragic environmental impact of modern “progress.” Nugent received his MFA from UC Santa
Barbara.
• Younhee Chung Paik, a Korean-born artist who divides her time between Oakland, New York, and Seoul,
also received her MFA from the SF Art Institute. Her titles often describe her intimate relationship with
nature: “Chorus of Trees,” “Ancient River,” “Tide and Dream.” Inspired by a forest of trees, a flowing creek,
a lone boat on an ancient sea, Paik’s artwork explores nature, spirituality, history, and culture with an
adventurous exploration of techniques and scale. Paik’s process often is about the use of light and she
states, “without darkness there is no light. So instead of starting with a white canvas, I start with a dark
color and paint light onto the dark painting.”
Chiyomi T. Longo “Dialogue #3”, 2014, Oil on Canvas,
52" x 52"
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