We have chosen some expressive and representational pieces for our Freedom themed exhibition. The Freedom Exhibition highlights and explores the significance of freedom in various contexts. We want to present a thought-provoking commentary on the importance of freedom in shaping our lives and society or at an individual level.
The exhibition shares a diverse range of artworks that explore the theme of personal freedom and self-expression as well as different aspects presented through political, social, and personal freedoms. From paintings to sculptures, each piece will portray a unique perspective on the theme, offering visitors a glimpse into the diverse ways in which freedom can be interpreted and represented. It offers a powerful reminder that freedom is not just a political ideal but a fundamental human right that must be defended and cherished.
This blog will highlight the art that celebrates the happiness in freedom, self expression, and appreciation of the present moment. In hopes of finding one’s true self, these artists celebrate their joys with the external world.
Kaleigh Roberts’ piece titled, Risen (2022), is a 20 x 16 inch mixed-media painting including acrylic paint, silver leaf, oil pastels, and chalk. Much of the frame is is filled with abstract shapes and patterns, while housing two main subjects: a woman and a phoenix.
The main colors used are greening blues and cooler reds. The use of two colors shows the dichotomy of transformation from one state to another. The direction that leads to the eye is diagonally across from left to right towards a sunlight symbol, also showing a progression towards growth and change rising towards the sun. The phoenix figure is above and ahead of the woman, perhaps guiding her towards this rise to freedom.
Henry Caserotti’s piece titled, The New Bohemians (2010), is an oil on canvas abstracted portrait of friends. The subject matter is of a man and woman, both lacking in any recognizable facial details whatsoever, laying on a green surface in a relaxed position on a bright day.
The colors used are muted greens, blues and reds. Shading and detail are somewhat flat and give the piece a cohesive matte and layered look almost like composited pieces of a puzzle. The subjects lay freely in a distant memory enjoy the moments they had verses the material possessions urged upon them.
Dmitriy Godlevski’s piece titled, Currents from far ago (2022), is a 20 x 30 photograph on poster board. It is surrealism style photography that portrays a female subject falling back through a doorway into a different space of dimension. The subject matter consists of a woman in a white gown falling off a wooden chair in a beach ocean and meadow like landscape.
Main colors seen are blue, white and green, with soft textures of sky and atmosphere, while the center ground is highlighted with stones and sand. One can imagine the liminal feeling of moving from one mental state to another, altering from one sense of self to one of expansion led by the release of limitations of self.
Gretchen Van Horn Hansen’s piece titled, Watching Fireworks (2022), is a 31 x 24 inch painting depicting two happy girls in an abstracted firework backdrop. The watercolor effect is akin to the organic nature of fireworks in action dispersing into patterns in spheres. Independence Day is a highly celebrated event thanking the freedoms fought for the United States citizens by veterans. To honor them, the girls enjoy it by admiring the colors and patterns of the fireworks.
Tom McIntire’s piece titled, Lyric 2 - Swimmers (2022), is a 16 x 16 inch painting on a wood panel. The subject matter consists of various human figures, dolphins, and birds swimming and flying through an abstracted representation of space and time. There are places within places and scenes within scenes in this multi-planed environment of free flowing swimmers and air fowl. Main colors used are pastels of blues and oranges; there complementary hues create an appealing balance and contrast.
Tatum Herman’s piece titled, Time, is a 60 x 24 inch triptych mixed media painting. The scene is set by striking branches laid across the panels covering over two human figures, a man and woman, laying together under a tree trunk. However, the viewer soon notices the two figures are a part of nature in more ways than one.
Minimal colors are used. Mainly earth tones like yellow and brown along with the softness of pinks. This really creates a light and airy heaven on earth. The 3D elements of the branches pop out of the image bringing the tree to life breaking the forth wall of the art piece, especially if hung onto a white wall. Peace is over looking the lovers who share in the life of nature around them.
Brittnee Sylvester’s piece titled, Traveling Luggage (2022), is a 24 x 18 inch mixed media oil painting on canvas. It is textured with gold leaf accents and hand embroidery. The piece is an abstract style with a circular composition drawing the viewers eyes in a constant round journey through the elemental figures. The main colors used are blues, blacks, and gold.
The most recognizable subject seen straight away is a house like object on the top left of the frame. It contains some text collage work evoking postal services and music. To the bottom right of the frame, the viewer sees representations of travel, flowers, and perhaps coins or more postal elements. As the eye travels around, the viewer gets a sense that location plays a huge role in imagery and perhaps taken on a journey to find what is home.
Randall Vemer’s piece titled, “Thunderbird Soaring” (2018), is a 18 x 24 inch painting of a man carving and building a Northwestern indigenous Totem pole. The main colors used are oranges and yellows, with dark hues of blue.
With a centrally focused composition, the eye is drawn through the scene with the diagonal guidance of the Totem pole laid out foreshortening from left to right. The traditions of American Indigenous populations are still carried out to this day honoring the surrounding nature and breath-providing presence of trees with their art.
The Freedom Exhibition is open June 22nd through July 21st. Come by and see these great works and more for sale in person at Gallery B612 in SODO, Seattle, Washington. Location and business hours are below.
Thank you for supporting local art.
To purchase the Freedom Exhibition booklet, click here. To see photos of the Freedom Artists Reception, click here.
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