New Jersey painter Joe LaMattina is one of three Oyster Point Hotel Artists in Residence (AIR) for 2021. With the AIR program, started in late 2019, the Hotel installs original artwork created by New Jersey artists into their guest rooms. This provides the art community with yet another alternative venue while also enriching the guest experience.
In 2020, our first Artist in Residence was Don Harger, who had a sufficient number of paintings for us to install them in the third and fourth floor guest rooms of the Hotel. Don’s paintings are still hanging in our third floor rooms and he is one of three Artists in Residence for 2021.
Joe LaMattina’s exuberant abstract paintings have been installed on the fourth floor of the Hotel. Another feature of the AIR program is that the artist receives a solo exhibition in our gallery spaces. Joe’s exhibit was held from February 2nd – March 15th with a live opening on Friday, February 19th from 6 – 8 p.m.
Joe’s work is intensely personal and material driven. He can best be described as a process artist who creates as he goes – without a plan. The work develops as he manipulates his materials. We have chosen to highlight his abstract work with the occasional representational painting thrown in for good measure. The abstract paintings are dramatic, energetic and laden with paints and other materials. Sometimes they look like eruptions and other times like oozing molten lava. Colors can be bright or earthy. They speak to the mysteries of the earth and mind. They deserve your attention.
Private tours of the guest rooms may be arranged by text message to 703-868-2833.
The Oyster Point Hotel follows strict Covid-19 protocols and employees get tested every two weeks. Masks are required and your temperature will be taken at the door. There is free parking in the Hotel lot, but due to Covid-19, there is no valet parking. We regret that we are still unable to serve food to standing gatherings, but invite you to dine at Pearl Restaurant. Call 732-530-8200 to make your reservation.
