PROFOUND SIMPLICITY
The exhibition features artists that embody the concept that simple practices or truths can be deeply heartfelt and authentic, they actually need to be, they go straight to the point, no embellishments, no extras... only what's necessary. That's the thread through all of them, and as you will see, this quality takes different forms.
Artworks in the front room are by Linda Fernandez and Ayiana Viviana, the back room has ockTheWizard‘s paintings, Camar Worthey's will be in the GReaT GLaSS eLeVator and Renny Molenaar will take over THe ReDRooM..
LINDA FERNANDEZ
“Los Colores de Oya”
ABOUT LINDA
Linda Fernandez is a multicultural artist, muralist and educator specializing in public art and community engagement. She is a founding member of Amber Art and Design, an artist collective based in Philadelphia that creates public art through engagement with community members. Linda’s artistic practice is rooted in collaboration. Her work involves coordinating the creative exchange of messages, artwork and personal artifacts between people across physical, social and cultural divides.
Linda’s inspiration stems from the ways that culture and history shape our identity; what it means to be part of the Cuban diaspora living in the U.S. and how this affects our daily lives. Her use of symbols and designs are part of an ancestral continuum to explain who we are and where we come from. She places importance on elevating stories of the past, particularly the African influence on Spain and the Caribbean, and documenting this current moment in time.
ARTIST STATEMENT
My identity is shaped by a connection to multiple cultures, particularly Cuban, Puerto Rican and Eastern European Jewish; which gives me a unique perspective and ability to relate to people from different cultural backgrounds. My art is inspired by the tiles of hydraulic cement tiles seen in Cuba and Puerto Rico. These design elements were brought to the Caribbean through colonization by Spain from the 15th-19th century, a country that was previously ruled by the Moors of North Africa for 700 years. In response to the colonial influence in the Americas, I create tile inspired paintings and designs with symbols that elevate stories of the African influence in the Caribbean and on Spanish art. Through pairing imagery from Cuba and Puerto Rico, the homes of my paternal grandparents; I investigate what it means to be part of a multicultural diaspora living in the U.S. and how this affects our daily lives. I create works that represent stories of the past, highlighting the African influence on Spain and on the Caribbean through the transatlantic slave trade, while also documenting this current moment in time and adding my voice to the ancestral continuum.
AYIANA VIVIANA
“Experimentation”
ABOUT AYIANA
Ayiana Viviana (b. 1984) is a Philadelphia based, self-taught abstract artist, published writer, and curator who employs her artistic abilities of storytelling as a means to convey narratives of resilience, hope, love and forward growth. Ayiana believes exploring creative expression and human connection serve as healing conduits for anyone who is willing to dive into the freedom they provide. Ayiana hopes to inspire generations, old and new, to discover their own voice and power and how art can serve as a tool for emotional regulation and a keen self awareness. Ayiana is inspired by nature, human beings, love, and the art of storytelling; with deep emphasis on curious exploration.
ARTIST STATEMENT
The pieces on display for the “Profound Simplicity” show are pieces that have allowed me to convey profound stories, in simple ways. In my piece “Experimentation” I show through example what it looks like when we try something outside of our comfort zone; my usual crisp black lines being frenzied and less than neat. It’s an invitation for the observer and collector of this piece, to question the areas of their lives where they may be comfortable and not open to experimentation. That question followed by the next, and my personal favorite of all time, question of why. Each piece is an invitation to explore your inner landscape in profound yet simple ways. May these pondering lead us all to more freedom and more internal growth. On display, I’ll also have my biggest canvas piece yet; one standing as tall as I am, at 5 feet tall. Come see the ways my heART has interpreted “Profound Simplicity.”
In THe BaCKRooM
ockTheWizard
ockTheWizard merges modern techniques with timeless aesthetics, creating art that resonates both intellectually and visually. Their work spans photography, acrylic portraits, and digital design, capturing a raw, nostalgic feel.
In THe GReaT GLaSS eLeVaToR
CAMAR WORTHEY
“Simplifying objects to their fundamental forms and merging the edges to create static yet dynamic pieces.” CW
In THe ReDRooM
RENNY MOLENAAR
“Disappointing Patriotic Sex Paintings” Series.
"I am a visual artist, a cultural facilitator, gallerist and purveyor of unsolicited commentary, advice and opinions, a lover of the arts, people and the streets..." RM