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:
“I used a loose paint technique, ala Ashcan Style Impressionism. The, I turned the swirls of hair locks into patterns reminiscent of patterns found in African textiles. The night sky, with its distant stars, spirals into her hair like a cosmic connection coming from above. The title underscores its Afrofuturist mood with spiritual and speculative implications.”
“Oregon’s Cannon Beach is an iconic photo spot. I was there at sunset when the mist surrounding the rocks gave it an ethereal quality. I captured the small gatherings of families with children, couples walking hand-in-hand, dogs playing, and just enjoying themselves on a quiet evening in nature.”
“During the spring of the isolating year of 2021, I was excited to visit the cicadas on my nightly neighborhood walks.”
“First, I did a line drawing, an Etching on my plate. Then I added Aquatint which gave me all my lights and darks. I inked it with black ink on a damp piece of paper. Next, I painted it as a night scene using watercolor.”
Saturday, January 29, is the final day to see New. Now., Hamiltonian Artists’ annual group exhibition debuting the work of Hamiltonian’s five distinguished 2021–2023 fellows—Kyrae Dawaun, Cecilia Kim, Ara Koh, Samera Paz, and Matthew Russo. There will be a closing reception at 4pm, 1353 U Street NW. You can also view each artists’ works and learn more about them here.
Artist Maurizio Cattelan’s banana-themed artwork aside, Banana Craze is the first major study of how the popular tropical fruit has shaped the identities, ecosystems, and violence in Latin America. This virtual exhibition offers a full and comprehensive look at bananas in contemporary art, spanning decades and encompassing many countries as well as embracing artistic practices shaped by migration. View it here.
According to a United Nations’ statistic, gender violence is the leading cause of death for women ages 15 to 44. Walking together: for them and for us brings together a group of 15 artists from Latin America whose photographs, paintings, performance art and sculptures address the social and patriarchal constructs that perpetuate the subjugation of women the world over. It is on view through February 19 at Mason Exhibitions (George Mason University), 3601 Fairfax Drive, Arlington, VA. You can also view works for the exhibit and learn more about the artists here.
Breath, a group exhibit featuring works by Jase Clark, Tim DeVenney, Nestor Gil, Mary Higgins, Curlee Raven Holton, Lisa Rosenstein, and Michelle Talibah, explores the value of breath as a metaphor to examine human existence and personal views of multidimensional manifestation. The works delve into themes of philosophy, emotion, physicality, mourning, and celebration. Also featured in the exhibit are limited edition prints by Faith Ringgold produced in collaboration with Curlee Raven Holton. Breath is on view by appointment through February 26 at Joan Hisaoka Healing Arts Gallery;1632 U Street NW. View the catalog here.
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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