Art that pushes the limits of studio walls

“Robot with Alligators” by Toby Buonagurio Ceramic with diverse surfaces The Shore Institute of the Contemporary Arts (SICA) in Long Branch is presenting “Over the Top-Under the Rug,” an exhibition that examines the myriad creations that can find form in the solitude of the artist’s studio.

The exhibition showcases works by almost 70 artists whose diverse and sometimes extreme creations are, according to SICA’s executive director, Doug Ferrari, “over the top, crazy, or might be a little bit off.” The title playfully suggests, he said, “that maybe they should be kept under the rug.”

“Nothing But Play” by Jeremiah Ketner Acrylic on wood If the kaleidoscopic assortment of art works makes a statement, it’s that visual art is as compelling and intriguing as any.

Curated by artist and writer/critic D. Dominick Lombardi, whose work was recently shown at SICA in “Inked!” an exhibit of tattoo art, “Over the Top-Under the Rug” runs through Oct. 8. The opening reception will be held Sunday, from 2-6 p.m. SICA is located at 20 Third Ave. Gallery hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; Friday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information, call (732) 263-1121 or visit www.sica.org.

“She’s Watchin’ Her Back” by Alex DeLeon Enamel on sheetmetal According to the curator’s statement, the studio is a solitary place where ideas can flow freely and where freedom of expression is a reality.

“This show features a cacophony of visual expressions that emphasizes the possible extremes of that studio time. And make no mistake, there is great art here — works of individual minds that push, prod and poke at those doors to the new and yet undiscovered.”

“Cook Islands Pig” by Norm Magnusson Acrylic on canvas Techniques represented in “Over the Top-Under the Rug” are eclectic, including artists who shoot steel, work with needle and thread, paint on sheets of metal, create nightmarish videos laced with humor, fashion works of appended plywood and machinery, paint with menstrual blood, create pen and color works from behind penitentiary bars, paint poured surfaces, draw, fashion magical vignettes, create mad machines and use sundry other forms of expression both odd and inventive that emanate from the solitary — and boundless — walls of the artist’s studio.

“Seascape” by John Perreault Petroleum-impregnated beach sand on found painting