Ripple

I had my first group show this year at 5 Olive Gallery curated by the The Search Art Show- RIPPLE

18 visual artists, live painting by Nicole Shek, a gripping performance piece by Chelsea America Torres, captivating poetry by Malcolm Squire, profoundly clever essays by London Pinkney, and live music & drinks turned the opening into an immersive, full event!

“Ripple examines how personal transformation extends beyond the self, shaping the world around us. The exhibition explores personal narratives of struggle and triumph and how they resonate within a larger societal context. Through themes of hope vs despair, action vs rest, and the power of self-investment, Ripple invites viewers to reflect on their own impact on society through their personal journey.”

I submitted two pieces for this show, leaning into the themes of hope vs despair and personal narratives of struggle. The first is a painting titled, “What am I? A curse?…An Emissary from the Beyond?” It depicts a sharp hand emerging from an ominous puddle, grasping for escape. The nails flick drops of blood among stars and sparkles. The water hosts lush foliage but the flowers are flowers of death. At a quick glance, there’s a lyrical beauty to the fuchsia color palette and organic movements, but the details create a more foreboding narrative. This piece was painted with the idea of summoning something out of desperation- how quickly can a shiny promise turn into dread?

“What am I? A Curse?..An Emissary from the Beyond?”

The second is a painting titled, “Poison”

An elegant figure stands poised in her world of decaying green. Her homeland has been poisoned by adversaries and her own image is reflective of the slow rot of her environment. A solitary teardrop appears on her stoic face. The toll and anguish are heavy but she remains resilient, and considerably vengeful. “Poison” refers to the state of her home and health as well as her newly tainted heart- how will her empathy and compassion be hardened after feeling such cruelty?

“Poison”

These two pieces are immersed in fairytale magic. They depict themes of confrontation, darkness, strength, and beauty. It’s likely that the narrative from each painting will continue in rash, chaotic, upending~

Thank you so much to 5 Olive Gallery for hosting and to The Search for curating such a beautiful event!