Objects of Conversation a Group Exhibition
July 14, 2023 - July 26, 2023
Take a piece of fruit, a spool of thread, a wood box, and a plastic cow, and what you have is the makings of a great love story, a torrid affair, or a poetic exploration of social issues, all in disguise as the contemporary still-life.
Sometimes a flower is just a spectacular painting of a flower, but other times it’s a statement of the state of things. Bowersock Gallery's upcoming Objects of Conversation explores the full breadth of the still-life genre, an exhibition featuring eight mid-career and established painters.
Objects of Conversation opens Friday, July 14, 2023, with a reception from 7-9 pm and runs through July 26.
This is a refreshing reset of a traditional genre, the beauty of the ordinary article or widget as poetry with its ongoing revelations of significance where each viewer will take away a different interpretation and feeling from each piece. For some, it will be due to the beautifully executed combination of colors, lighting, and subjects, and for others, it's all of that along with the humorous or heartbreaking story, featured.
The exhibitors include Natalie Featherstone, Noriko Fox, Antonio Lones, Sydney Bella Sparrow, Morgan LaPlante, Carey Armstrong Ellis, and Lorena Pugh.
Sydney Bella Sparrow is an extraordinary technical master. One of Bowersock's long-time stable members, and a patron favorite, she returns with her moody, moving works of simple items that speak to secrets and relationships. There never seems to be enough work by Sydney to fill the requests because her process, evident in the meticulously detailed work, is one of love, a slow burn with a lengthy process. As having work by Sydney annually is not a given, Bowersock Gallery is super excited to be able to offer a few canvases this year.
The show's serious mood is balanced with a good dose of humor. Noriko delivers a few more traditional arrangements and some popular humorous works featuring her personified figurines and toys, such as a dinosaur figure running amuck on top of the liquor table. Carey is also back with her charming, funny, kick-in-the-pants quirky items with their own stories to tell.
Pugh's work uses the commonality of the everyday to address relationships and sensuality; LaPlante's florals depict a snapshot in time; Lones delivers silent moments with more traditional treatment and Featherstone returns with her masterfully executed, hyperreal arrangements.
This exhibit runs the realist spectrum and all works are decidedly contemporary in their treatment. Regardless of the subject or the approach, each is an artist at the top of their game. A show not to be missed!
Lorena Pughy, A Pair, 30 x 34, Oil on Panel