THE BRISTLIES GO FOR A WALK, 9”x12”, ink on paper, 2016.

Brumer’s art has the power to be formally delicate, while at the same time consisting of a razor sharp humor penetrating the skin of pretense, which she peels open for scrutiny. In THE BRISTLIES GO FOR A WALK, a figurative grouping of diverse entities sashay their way down whatever avenue legs with quivering cilia go, enjoying their outing as they bump up and touch one another. Even though we do not hear sounds, the rhythms of unsung music are uproariously present.

Brumer worked at The Queens Museum of Art in the Education department for 20 years, from 1987 to 2007. Having taught Art History courses at various colleges and universities before going  to the Museum, Brumer proposed giving a lecture course for adults titled THE LOOKING SERIES. Oftentimes related to Museum exhibitions, the Series became remarkably popular with visitors to the institution, proof of a successful outreach into the community. Brumer invited artists and critics to speak and provocative discussions followed. She told me, “It was fun…I loved it…researching the different techniques the artists used…when I spoke about art…I communicated formal qualities rather than the minutia of an artist’s life…”

Brumer is foremost a painter and a colorist, using acrylics on wood to translate her steadfast vision. I chose to focus on her mainly black and white ink on paper drawings because I am fascinated by the opportunity to observe her process — the raveling and unraveling of line as it weaves through content establishing its own unique territory. Drawing can do that like no other medium because of its inherent investigative quality, exhaling both conscious and unconscious mirages, suppression be damned.

LACEWING (detail), 30.5”x28”, mixed media, 2000.