By Lookout Staff

October 3, 2013 – The paintings of Scot Heywood, whose geometric abstract shapes are said to engage viewers on “physical and conceptual levels,” will go on exhibit at Santa Monica College this month.

The exhibit at SMC’s Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallerywill be open to the public from Tuesday, October 22, to Saturday, December 7, with an opening receptionon Saturday, October 19, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

“To stand before one of these paintings, each of which is the size of a generously scaled doorway, is to find your whole body involuntarily adjusting itself to the subtly out-of-whack geometry of Heywood’s art,”David Pagel wrote in the Los Angeles Times.

Heywood is known for his “exquisite attention to detail,” “careful placement of individual panels” and “the refined diagonal layering of paint,” according to gallery officials.

His works are indebted to the abstract geometric works of artists such as Kasimir Malevich and Piet Mondrian, “though he has crafted a thoroughly personal interpretation,” states a bio posted by the Frank Lloyd Gallery.

“A viewer would be mistaken to consider Heywood’s paintings to be standard examples of the minimalist monochrome,” the bio states. “His work invites extended contemplation, and engages with viewers on visual, physical and conceptual levels.”

A self-taught artist, Heywood has exhibited his paintings in Southern California for some 35 years as part of more than a dozen solo shows and group exhibitions. His paintings are also represented in numerous collections.

This is not the first time Heywood’s work is exhibited at SMC.Some of his paintings were included in Marks and Movement: Five Painters at the Barrett Gallery in 2011.

A special lecture featuring the artist will be held in the gallery at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 2.

SMC's Pete & Susan Barrett Art Gallery is located at the SMC Performing Arts Center on Santa Monica Boulevard at 11th Street, Santa Monica. Exhibits, gallery talks, and opening receptions are free.
Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The gallery will be closed for Thanksgiving weekend (November. 28 to 30).