Pictured: "Far Horizons" by Syd Solomon. Photo by: Bill Speer.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a two-part exploration of abstract art with the opening of “The Lightness of Being: Absracts: Part 1” at Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery. Featuring work from over 15 artists, the exhibit celebrates the diversity of the abstract movement through equal parts sculpture and two-dimensional art.

“The idea is to bring out all the great pieces that no one gets to see and give a chance to every artist,” said Sheila Moore, owner of Allyn Gallup Contemporary. Single-artist shows make it difficult to display every piece by the many artists working with the gallery, says Moore, and a large collection of the unseen has amassed in the back. “We have a lot of abstract artists,” she said. “This is what it’s about.”

Entering the exhibit is “to be nourished”, according to Moore, by the varying expressions, styles and subjects, whether it be Tremain Smith’s “Creation” series – a pair of mixed-media on panel creations joining geometric symbols and Spanish-language newsprint – or Anne Raymond’s colorful “Afternoon’s Edge,” looming mysterious and vibrant like a cosmic hot spring.

Of special note are the contributions from the late Syd Solomon, ranging from a (relatively) grounded watercolor landscape abstraction to “Georgia Cuts,” a furious and almost forboding composition made from pitch-black India inks, and culminating in a giant triptych dominating one entire wall of the gallery. Entitled “Far Horizons” and painted in 1959 with oil on canvas over wood-framed Masonite, it’s a grand and dark piece full of hidden figures, faces and forms threatening to coalesce but refusing easy satisfaction. “You can very much see his art of camouflage,” said Moore, referencing Solomon’s time designing camouflage for the Allies during World War II.

Not constrained to two dimensions, sculpture art makes up a vast portion of the show. Jorge Blanco brings his trademark playfulness to bear with some small-scale work, such as a charming model of his familiar grinning half-moon figure encased in a shiny metal canoe, or a pair of the figures joined in ecstatic dance under a gleaming metal arch. Sarasotans will also recognize the geometric work of John Henry, on display in his trademark primary colors. The New York-based artist and Rome Prize finalist, John Van Alstine, brings his mixed-media sculptures as well, including “Sisyphean Circle XLVII,” created from bronze, steel and a lichen-spotted slab of slate. “It’s extremely elegant,” said Moore.

“The Lightness of Being: Abstracts: Part 1” opens today, May 1, at Allyn Gallup Contemporary Art Gallery with the First Friday Art Walk and runs until June 13. Part 2 arrives in six weeks.

Pictured: "Far Horizons" by Syd Solomon. Photo by: Bill Speer.