The UnReal World
On February 29 was the official opening for the new exhibit Unreality at SMC’s Pete and Susan Barrett Art Gallery. Showcasing works by Lisa Adams and Kelly McLane. The exhibit is free and will be on display until Saturday, March 28. These two artists have known each other for years and found that this common theme of nature versus man became more prevalent as time went on. Together the different paintings, drawings, and sketches show a reflection of the disheartening tragedies that have been impacting the natural world. While acknowledging the damage being done to the earth an underlying message of hope is still being communicated to the public.
Artist Lisa Adams explained to me what inspires her to create the artwork, “I take inspiration from these times, and there’s a lot going on about the environment. And even before Trump was elected I’d been making these types of paintings since 2007. So, I’ve been painting a long time about the dystopic qualities that humans have brought in the world and this kind of collision between the natural world and the human made world and just things gone wrong… I’m a big advocate of what they call ‘The Life of the Mind’ so I live in my mind as much as I can. It’s more comforting to me than the real world… I am introverted and I’m glad that people get to see the work”
Adams and McLane’s individual perspective and talent is translated in a truly creative expression. Appreciated widely because the representation is unique and current to what is happening in society now. Some of the masterpieces are titled, ‘Impersonating a Politician’, ’City of Industry, City of Fear’, and ‘In the Era of Me Too’all created with a stroke of genius from two female artists that have been developing their skill for years.
‘Princess Peckerwods - Lithopedion’ by Kelly McLane, drawn in pencil, personifies the dying forest. the photo represents the importance that McLane believes drawings hold, as stated in her artist’s statement for the show. (Photo courtesy of the Pete and Susan Barrett Art Gallery.)
Kelly McLane lives in Missouri and was unable to attend the opening here in Santa Monica. However, the artist statement she shared was beautifully written. Describing that, “Paintings contain the immediacy of drawings with rich and vibrant impastos, creating classic textures. Delicate detailed passages are drawn and integrated through paint. Endless layers of information and resolutions appear and recede through addition and negotiation. Space, harmonize and clash with color and mark making to literally define subject matter within ecosystems of tempo and mood. Individual bodies of drawings are the ethereal conscious that orchestrates the narrative realms of my journey. I create humorous interpretations of the worlds with uncomfortable, unapologetic images… Myths and symbols of Americana are blurred and entangled with those of the world both past and present, creating a multifaceted cultural lexicon ripe with possibility”
The Gallery has held exhibits by American Contemporary Artist Raymond Saunders, Mixed Media artists Kelly Berg and Caroline Larsen as well as held exhibitions in tandem with African-American Heritage Month. The Gallery has upheld this level of variety and continues to create exhibitions that are inclusive to SMC students and the Santa Monica community.
People of all different ages are welcomed to attend and appreciate the various displays. The exhibit is arranged with certain purpose and care. Well presented with impeccable lighting and thoughtful placement. Each work of art telling a story about the reality we have come to know.