Ioannis Karalias, Me and My Demons, 2018, acrylic on canvas, 39×59 in.
In his new paintings, the artist uses a direct approach and
vivid, illuminating colors, illustrating the balance of nature between vitality
of our rich world and another worldliness. His creatures, mainly animal motifs
taken directly from his mind and influenced by different periods of art
history, from Egyptian motifs to ancient Mayan forms, enter into an intense
dialogue with one another. The creatures cease to be merely symbols of their
human counterparts and the roles they play; and instead—through the truly
personal convictions of the artist—capture something deeply universal.
Technically, more collage than paintings, I paint on polyester film, cut out shapes, and then arrange them on a painted surface. This allows me to interact with the “object.” It is a spontaneous and collaborative process. This way of working, gives me the chance to be responsive to the random things that happen in the process of gluing and cutting, to tap into my internal rhythms and way of being.
From the artist’s statement.
Mary Zeran, Green River, 2017, acrylic and Dura-Lar on paper, 30×22 in.
The presentation begins with Sarah Humphreville, juror of the 2019 DUMA Biennial, and will be followed by artist Thomas Paquette regarding his exhibition America’s River Re-Explored, Paintings of the Mississippi from Source to Gulf.
The 2019 DUMA Biennial is open through September 8th. America’s River Re-Explored is open through July 28, 2019.
Sarah Humphreville has been part of the Whitney curatorial department since 2012 and has worked on exhibitions such as Grant Wood: American Gothic and Other Fables, Stuart Davis: In Full Swing, and American Legends: From Calder to O’Keeffe.
Sarah Humphreville, 2019 DUMA Biennial juror
Thomas Paquette graduated from Bemidji State University with a B.F.A. degree in painting in 1985, and has painted full-time since 1988, when he earned his M.F.A. degree in painting on full fellowship from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Paquette’s landscape paintings have been exhibited across the United States, and were featured in more than fifty solo exhibitions at prominent art galleries in Chicago, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, New York City, and Washington D.C.
First Friday June 2019 will feature the opening of two new exhibitions: 2019 DuMA Biennial and Thomas Paquette: America’s River Re-Explored.
First Fridays is a monthly, city wide gallery hop celebrating our creative community. Other First Friday locations include: Carnegie-Stout Public Library, Smokestack, Outside the Lines Art Gallery, Upcycle Dubuque, Key City Creative and Inspire Cafe. Make sure to hop, hop, hop to all First Friday locations~
This summer DuMA is adding to the First Friday fun and will be featuring performances by local musicians each month. June’s musician: Blue Flame – Jazz & Bossa Nova
$10 Admission (Members Free)
Follow DUMA (DubuqueArt) on Facebook, Twitter (#DUMAfirstfridays), and Instagram for updates and to share your ideas for future FirstFridays.
