New Hamptons Exhibit Explores The Boat Hulls Of Montauk

Waterlines, a new solo show featuring works by Michele Dragonetti, will make its debut at The White Room Gallery in Bridgehampton on Friday, February 24th. The show will remain on view through Sunday, March 5th, and an opening reception will take place on Saturday, February 25th, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The exhibit encompasses approximately 40 works from Dragonetti’s Boat Hulls photography series, which began in the stunning marinas of Montauk. Dragonetti says she was drawn to the boats that were in disrepair and in need of TLC. Her photographs highlight the apparent contradictions between the abstract patterns in the painted lines and colors of the hulls, along with the varied textures all over. Dragonetti explains, “By focusing my compositions on the triangular patterns of the hulls in a square format, I am able to highlight the essential geometry of the images.”

Many of her photographs portray the transformation of humble vessels into abstract portraits. The imperfections are celebrated.

“With my Boat Hulls photography series I seek to capture the individual character and texture of surfaces impacted by the elements and time, highlighted by the overlay of generally consistent structural features,” noted Dragonetti. “The series has become a set of abstract portraits, celebrating the beauty of the often unseen and overlooked aspect of what otherwise seems an ordinary object.”

The series has also featured images from other locales in the U.S. and around the world.

“As I’ve expanded the series from its Montauk origins to elsewhere in the U.S. and internationally (in and around Lisbon, Barcelona, and London – so far), I’ve been able to observe and capture what is both universal and what is culturally unique,” she noted.

Dragonetti resides in Amagansett and New York City. Her art has been highlighted at various international arts fairs in the City and at Aqua Art in Miami.

The White Room Gallery is located at 2415 Main Street in Bridgehampton. For more information, call 631-237-1481 or visit www.thewhiteroom.gallery.