Monday, June 13, 2011

Between Intimacy and Decoration; June 16-21
















(click on images to enlarge)

Pierre Bonnard once wrote, "I float between intimism and decoration." In figurative painting, a painter often delves into a highly personal subject, channeling the intimacy between painter and perceptual experience. Expressing this intimacy, we become entranced with the materials and their decorative qualities. Decoration stems from the the Latin "decoratus," which in the 16th century meant "to grace or honor." This is implied in painting through a transcendent process of expression through color, light and surface.  In these paintings, all three artists embody this liminal stage that exists between intimacy and decoration.

Ansley Adams works from her own home's interiors, embodying the warmth and familiarity we encounter within our own spaces. The small scale of her work presents a very precious experience for the viewer. The warm temperatures of her palette and the buttery application of the paint suggest a coziness and comfort.

Jaime Misenheimer is extremely attentive to the structure and design of her large scale work. She draws from literature and her own personal experiences to influence an emerging narrative. She relies heavily on a distinct shape organization and a very subtle but complex color palette. 

Laurel Steckel looks to the people in her life when developing her paintings. Her relationships with them are implicit in creating the work. Concerned with the transitory life of young adults, she embeds her figures into their temporary domestic spaces, and then transforms the space through highly saturated color and patterning. The paintings function both as a quiet portraiture and an exciting, decorative tapestry. 


"Green Rug," Adams

"Yellow Room," Adams

"Barnabas," Misenheimer

"Italian Interior," Misenheimer

"Jaime with Coffee," Steckel

"Kevin in his Kitchen," Steckel

Monday, June 6, 2011

Pretty Girls; A Feminist Perspective Through Art



June 10-12 2011 Friday-Sunday
Opening Reception Friday 5-10 pm

80808 Gallery/Vista Studios
808 Lady Street
Columbia, SC 29201
803-463-5182

Pretty Girls: a feminist perspective through art is a collaborative project celebrating over 10 local artists and their viewpoints on artistic, intellectual and political feminist influences. The opening reception will be held Friday, June 10th from 5pm-10pm at Gallery 80808 Vista Studios. Witness an exciting range of artistic interpretations from performance art, music, film installation, sculpture, traditional medium and…human canvas! The exhibition does not embrace a traditional definition of feminism, but showcases through diversity of ideas that the perception of a fixed feminist point of view has changed.

If you miss the opening reception there will be studio hours from 10-6 pm Saturday and 12-5 pm Sunday. We look forward to exploring the feminine identity through forms of art with our community and friends. This feminist art event brings attention to the importance of providing a safe environment for women in crisis by donating a portion of the proceeds to The Women’s Shelter of Columbia, SC. Please stay-tuned on Facebook for further updates and details of the opening reception.

Get Involved: If you would like to become involved with Pretty Girls: a feminist perspective through art, contact Olivia Thompson through prettygirlsfeministart@gmail.com or (803)-463-5182. She is available for interview.