Visual Arts Center of New Jersey

John Goodyear: Shifting Views showcases the work of an internationally recognized artist who has lived and worked in New Jersey for nearly half a century. The exhibition unites Goodyear’s ground-breaking artwork from the 1960s with some recent, related pieces and features three distinct, but interrelated bodies of work.

His “pole” paintings—an idea he originated in the 1960s—are painted wood constructions that spin to reveal fragmented views simultaneously.  Another series incorporates moving latticed screens in front of stationary paintings. When the screens are lightly pushed from side to side, the viewer experiences a strong optical effect that creates a new visual experience.  Both these groups of kinetic works require the viewer’s active participation.  Goodyear’s “Double Subject” paintings are based on iconic works from art history reduced to outline drawings and superimposed one over the other.  The viewer must continually shift focus to “read” the individual images.  The meaning for all of the works in this exhibition is continually in flux depending on elements of chance and the spectator’s shifting vision.