John Torreano Shows at The Drawing Room

The Drawing Room in East Hampton will present “John Torreano: Dots, Gems, Stars 1968-2023,” an exhibition on view from July 7 through August 13.

A longtime resident of the East End, Torreano’s connection to the area began in 1969 when he was the first visual artist invited for a residency at Edward Albee's Foundation in Montauk. Following a childhood engaged in activities on lakes and rivers in Michigan, he felt an immediate affinity for the Atlantic coast. Since the early 1990s, the artist has divided his time between studios in Sag Harbor and Manhattan, where he taught for decades at New York University.

The exhibition traces through-lines in Torreano's imagery across various mediums and over more than 50 years. Bodies of work include colorful sketchbook abstractions created following his 1969 Montauk residency, signature compositions animated by multicolored gems, and paintings on paper inspired by galaxies. The selection represents Torreano's deep engagement with the aesthetic possibilities of painterly representation.

Reflecting recently on his fascination with astronomical concepts, the artist noted that the curvature, time and space in the solar system are closely aligned with his theoretical approach to painting.

The Drawing Room is at 55 Main Street, East Hampton and summer hours are Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment. Call 631-324-5016 or visit drawingroom-gallery.com for details.