Down The Rabbit Hole

Check out the article: http://www.dailycamera.com/archivesearch/ci_14325910?IADID=Search-www.dailycamera.com-www.dailycamera.com


Impressionistic, broad gestures, pastoral colors, these terms describe the recent exhibition of oil painter Mike Brouse, yet his whimsical representation of the bicycle creates a space which leads us Down the Rabbit Hole. Unfortunately, I have yet to experience the work in person, though I’m instantly struck by the local artists’ ability to capture innocence. The bicycle connects us to our childhood, a time we often forget and seldom revisit.

The paintings cleverly exclude the rider, leaving us to confront the bicycle. The images originate from photographs of bikes scene around Boulder and primarily include classic road bikes and old single speeds. These bikes transport me to a location where worries dissolve and simplicity rules. I recognize the artist’s intentions may be otherwise, yet as a critical examiner of the fine arts, I must say that’s where Brouse’s work takes me.

Brouse also committed 10 percent of his earnings to World Bicycle Relief, an organization I’ve mentioned before, working to distribute bicycles around the world to less fortunate riders. The generous donation comes from a person clearly invested in seeing the promotion of the two wheel world. Artists typically get pinched by galleries, and to take another cut shows serious compassion.

Bicycles dominate Boulder’s vernacular, a staple in our regional identity. I appreciate Mike Brouse for reminding us of our special community. So if you find yourself riding down Pine Street, stop in the St. John’s Art Gallery and take a trip down the rabbit hole.