All of the art exhibitions shown at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library are special to curator Mark-Elliott Lugo. But the current exhibition, “John Daniel Abel — Nocturnes,” is the palpably satisfying result of a process that began three years ago when Lugo had the idea for an exhibition of night scenes, or “nocturnes.” When he originally conceived the idea, Lugo foresaw Abel, a San Diego artist who resides and works in the East County, as a contributor to the project. However, as curator and artist corresponded, and as Abel’s concentration on night scenes grew over time, Lugo realized this would easily become an all-Abel show, and made it so. It was a wise decision, leading to a fascinating and wide-ranging exhibition. “Nocturnes” is, in fact, John Abel’s third solo exhibition for the library, and it is difficult to overestimate its variety. The exhibition features a broad range of works in oils and mixed-media drawing. Abel’s oils range in style and subject to include broadly-stroked urbanites in a social-realist style of the 1930’s (think Weegee meets Diane Arbus in oils), to a night study of an empty reading chair, the quiet of which evokes Rembrandt. Abel’s “tenebroso” moonlight also falls on and defines the shapes of a variety of automotive forms, highlighting their sculptural elegance in the reduced detail of darkness. Of his plein-air landscapes — in the impressionistic tradition of Maurice Braun and Everett Jackson — once visitors have discovered their astonishing secret, they will be left doubly appreciative not only of the vision, but of the determination and durability of this remarkable artist. An entire show of nocturnes is a rarity, as such paintings usually make up a small portion of an artist’s work. Both the challenge of working with the reduced color palate that darkness brings and the frequently somber mood of such paintings usually renders them a specialized category among the brighter subjects of day. Yet both Lugo and Abel have sought and found night subjects of both sculptural calm and visual vigor, finding the bright note in each and highlighting it to dramatic effect in both paint and print. An elegant catalogue is available for purchase from the library, accompanied by an insightful essay by Lugo. The Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Public Library has become a widely-known quantity in the world of Southern California art galleries and showrooms. The library’s exhibition email list now tops 2,000; attendance is strong, and patrons are regular. “During our last exhibition, which was the ninth Invitational Drawing Competition, we had 14 different class-groups of over 30 students each, attending as a mandatory class requirement at the local universities,” said Lugo, a particular aficionado of drawing technique. “There seems to be a new emphasis on formal realism emerging as a foundation for the broader, more experimental techniques, so it’s exciting to know that what we’re showing is relevant and inspirational to a new generation of artists,” he said. “John Daniel Abel — Nocturnes” will remain on exhibit through Oct. 29 at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Branch Library, 4275 Cass St. For opening times, call (858) 581-9934.
