The period between dusk and dawn and all that it conjures is the inspiration for Nocturne, the first exhibit of 2022 at The Art League Gallery. It features a diverse collection of artworks—drawings, paintings, print-works, photography, sculpture, and ceramics—depicting the many dimensions of after-hours.
There are dark landscapes, starry vistas, and brightly lit cityscapes buzzing with activity. Night creatures—human and animal—are captured in repose, wide awake, or on the prowl. Dreamscapes appear in hazy recollection, and abstract works reference night in color, scheme, narrative, or emotive power. In Nocturne, night is serene, lively, mysterious, magical, and always captivating.
Nocturne was juried by award-winning children’s book illustrator and fine artist Becca Stadtlander and is on view through January 30. Here, four artists comment on their work in the show:
“The process behind this piece was primarily looking at how different colors interact. These interactions were facilitated by the different tints and shades but also by the method of interaction – blended or with linear contrast.
I was reminded of a memory as a child where I would go lay on the driveway to look at the night sky and listen to Coldplay whenever I was lonely. This memory inspired the title because it initially creates confusion around the mention of a color not in the piece but, with further time to think, you can see it’s a Coldplay reference – highlighting this time in my life engulfed in confusion that I can look back on and laugh because it all makes sense now.”
“Night can be a time of rest; it can also be a time of peril. The four seated figures in Gitega Peace Commission portray real people I met in Burundi, in their tailor shop headquarters. These community elders vividly recounted their experiences during the civil war years, when they would confront young militia members and try to convince them to repent and follow the path of peace.”
“I enjoy the mixing of color on paper and the feeling of being a mad scientist from beginning to end.”
“A small painting of cars in an evening snow storm, evoking a feeling of isolation and focus.”
In The Beauty of Solitude, artists Nathan Mullins and Emily Pettigrew explore the beauty of solitude in figurative paintings that are imbued with a sense of silence and quiet heroics. It is on view at Adah Rose Gallery through March 3; 770 Howard Avenue, Kensington Md. You can also view it online here.
Using paint, glass, keys, locks, buttons and other objects on wood, D.C. native and Baltimore-based artist Schroeder Cherry creates open-ended narratives based on events from the past, present and his imagination. His exhibit Future Voters and Other Stories is on view at Artist & Makers Studios through January 6. Cherry will be in conversation at the gallery on Saturday, January 22 from 1 – 3 p.m.; 11810 Parklawn Drive, Suite 210, Rockville, MD.
Gallery Underground’s Focus Gallery in January presents New Ideas, an all-member show of new work for 2022. The exhibition features works by a variety of artists working in a range of mediums including both 2-d and 3-d works. Artists for this exhibition were invited to stretch and step outside their normal artistic comfort zones to produce original works for the new year. It is on view through January 28, 2100 Crystal Drive, Arlington VA (in the Crystal City Shops).
The Patrons’ Show, our biggest fundraiser of the year, is just around the corner! It’s an excellent opportunity to acquire high-quality, original fine art at a bargain price while supporting a great non-profit organization and community of artists. In light of continuing restrictions surrounding COVID, we’re keeping a virtual format so nobody misses out on this perennial favorite. Don’t miss out! Learn more about The Patrons’ Show and purchase tickets here.
Stay warm and enjoy the weekend!
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