"Self Ease" reception at Perspectives Gallery Sat., May 10

Perspectives: The Gallery at Whitney Center
200 Leeder Hill Rd., Hamden, (203) 772-2788
Self Ease: Contemporary Portraiture
Through Jun. 17, 2014.
Artists' Reception: Sat., May 10, 3—5 p.m.

Press release from the Arts Council of Greater New Haven

The Arts Council of Greater New Haven presents a new twist on the "selfies" trend. Organized by Debbie Hesse, Self Ease: Contemporary Portraiture brings together seven artists who work within the tradition of portraiture. The exhibition features artwork by Eileen Carey, Steven DiGiovanni, Megan Marden, Larry Morelli, Katro Storm, Erika Van Natta, and Jeff Wrench. The exhibition is on view now at the Perspectives Gallery at Whitney Center, 200 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, Connecticut. Gallery hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 4—7 p.m. Join us for a special public reception on May 10, 2014 from 3—5 p.m.

Self Ease focuses on the psychological nuances regarding how we see ourselves and how we choose to be seen, commemorated, and remembered. Eileen Carey paints colorful portraits of people she knows in great detail as well as faceless crowds that explore the interaction of people in a fast paced culture. Jeff Wrench sketches faces of strangers on paint swatches and wallpaper samples creating casual portraits that are both specific and mysterious. Steven DiGiovanni puts people into ambiguous settings, using the surrounding objects as props to draw out meaning. Katro Storm, Megan Marden and Larry Morelli rely on personal, gestural and painterly mark making to create ambiance and psychological tension. Erika Van Natta creates a video portrait, via a self-designed kaleidoscope of herself singing original lyrics that finds cohesiveness thru geometric fragmentation.

Artwork by Eileen Carey

In addition, digital portraits or selfies emailed in from the general public will create a collective tapestry of how we see ourselves in a rapidly changing technological world. These fleeting digital captures offer a counterpart to the paintings and video in the exhibition, framing a dialogue about the history and future of this artistic genre. To participate, send digital selfies to selfeaze@gmail.com. Selections will also be included in an online exhibit at NewHavenArts.org.