October 2015
Haynes Galleries presents “Celebrating Art of Women by Women”
October 9 to November 7, 2015
Reception: Friday, 5 pm to 7:30 pm, October 9, 2015
NASHVILLE— The fall exhibition season at Haynes Galleries begins with a showstopper. The gallery is pleased to present “Celebrating Art of Women by Women.” It will present paintings, drawings and sculptures of women by women artists. It was inspired by Women Painting Women, the art group and website that promotes contemporary women artists that paint in the figurative tradition.
The exhibit will be on view from October 9 to November 7 at Haynes Galleries in Nashville, Tennessee. An opening reception will take place the evening of October 9, from 5 to 7:30 pm. The exhibition and reception are free and open to the public.
Many of the artists contributing work to the show incorporated fabric or drapery into their final compositions, an element that has a long tradition in art history. It can signify status, evoke the classical tradition, suggest luxury and much more. The artists of “Celebrating Art of Women by Women” have used this device in a contemporary context to further explore the motifs they hold dear.
“It’s remarkable the variety of themes these artists can tackle using this device,” says Gary R. Haynes, owner of Haynes Galleries. "Each is treating it differently. Sometimes it’s as important as the figure; in other pieces, it’s a supporting component. These women are telling important contemporary stories with this age old tool.”
Stephanie Rew relishes painting the female form draped in fabric, especially kimonos. The unique patterns and delicate nature of the garment are a wonderful complement to Rew’s sensuous views of women during private moments. The kimono the woman in Studying Raphael wears, with its bold coloring and organic forms, hints at the figure’s personality— perhaps fiery and strong but with a softer side at times.
As an artist that immerses herself in an Old World environment, its no surprise that Victoria Novak uses flowing drapery and robes in her art that recalls the High Renaissance. Her allegorical painting Scelta (the Italian work for “choice” or “selection”) features two nude female figures elegantly contorted in space. One bounds forward towards an unseen object or person; the other looks away, her hand to her face. Both are surrounded by sumptuously painted drapery of white, pink, and yellow that could hold them back or comfort them during their decision.
Lynn Sanguedolce also uses the figure for an allegorical piece, but her painting Art Divine explores the very idea of art. A nude figure, draped in white cloth and invoking a Greek ideal, is seen in profile gracefully drawing on a board. She is the epitome of diligence and beauty. Sanguedolce’s approach is more painterly with the folds of her drapery displaying a brilliant play of light.
As an accomplished landscape and portrait artist, Alexandra Tyng dares to combine the two genres and does so with stunning results. Her latest painting The Source, of an adolescent girl exploring the rough terrain behind an abandoned building, allows Tyng to play with fabric and folds in various degrees of illumination.
Showing for the first time at Haynes during the exhibition, Tina Spratt uses the drapery of her figures’ costumes as an extension of their mindset. With a focus on private, intimate and emotional moments, Spratt’s figures are often cloaked in silken dresses that spill out onto the floor in folds as in Unmasked.
With almost 25 artists contributing to “Celebrating Art of Women by Women,” the exhibition will be much more than just a collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings by women artists active today. It’s an exhibition of provocative, compelling, and engaging art using a variety of artistic devices and addressing many issues that affect women today. There’s no single voice but rather a conversation of interested parties, a conversation that is only happening at Haynes Galleries.