SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Sept. 16, 2020 - The Walter Art Gallery is proud to present our new exhibition "Elemental Figures" featuring the work of three impressive local artists: Amanda Adkins, John Tuomisto Bell, and Abbey Messmer. These artists share an affinity for the human figure and the ways in which humans interact with, affect, and are affected by their surroundings. These artists utilize fire, water, and earth to illustrate, manipulate, and create their images and sculptures.
Amanda Adkins' love for animal folklore, health and homeopathy is reflected throughout her artwork. Her figurative work in "Elemental Figures" unites the female form with natural growth and transformation resulting in images that are both disturbing and reassuring. "Mother Earth is a part of us and we of her, there is no separation, states Adkins."
Abbey Messmer's paintings utilize water as a tool to explore varying perspectives and contemplate the nature of reality. The resulting paintings aim to echo the inevitable state of flux, breakdown, and reconstruction that we as modern humans endure daily. Her work takes her viewers on a dive to the bottom of desert pools, capturing the liquified landscape, expansive skies, curving horizons, emblematic props and distorted human forms.
John Tuomisto Bell examines the issues of aggression, violence, and intelligence in the context of the human condition. As an artist he is conflicted about the cruelty of human nature contrasted with the beauty of daily acts of courage and kindness. Voicing these observations thru simple icons such as a lone figure, an isolated head, or a fist, allows the artist to communicate on a visceral level an understanding of truth and what is real.
"Elemental Figures" will open with a virtual reception to the public on Friday, September 17, 2020 from 6:30-7:00pm, broadcasted live on The Walter Art Gallery Facebook page and will led by Gallery Manager, Charlotte Strawn. "Elemental Figures" will be on display at Walter Art Gallery from September 17 through October 15, 2020.
The Walter Project is an innovative community of artists, entertainers, makers, and visionaries who come together to form various creative ventures such as The Walter Art Gallery and The Walter Hive. Known for their art cars such as Walter the Bus, Big Red, and Kalliope, the purpose of this community is to share joy and spark creativity through unique experiences.
Walter Art Gallery is located at 6425 E. Thomas Road, Scottsdale AZ 85251. If you are interested in a private in-person showing (with appropriate masking and social distancing) please direct all inquiries to 775-302-5448 or gallery@thewalterproject.org. For more information about the gallery or exhibition please visit http://www.walter-art.com.
Contact
Gallery Manager, Charlotte Strawn
