Pacific Mermen, by Justin Gibbens, will be part of the “Mythology” exhibit at Confluence Gallery.
By Ann McCreary
Throughout human history, artists have been inspired to depict the legends and characters contained in mythology.
A new exhibit opening Saturday (Oct. 10) at Confluence Gallery, titled “Mythology,” continues that tradition, asking artists to respond through their art to the concept of mythology and the fundamental mysteries of life that myths explore.
“Myths can give rise to entire modes of thought, idioms and belief systems that last for centuries,” said Joanne Marracci, who curated the exhibit with Nicole Ringgold.
“We purposefully chose not to constrain the artists with any time frame, culture or other parameters so that they can provide a wide range of interpretations,” Marracci said.
“From ancient civilizations’ tombs and cave paintings to modern modalities like the graphic novel, myth has been part of the human condition. It’s used to tell stories of our past — real or imagined — whether carved on stone tablets or pictured on the pages of a Manga comic,” Marracci said.
More than 75 works will be displayed, most from local and regional artists but some from as far away as Massachusetts, Marracci said.
Justin Gibbens’ work, Golden Hydra, will be on display during this exhibit.
The pieces reflect “not only ancient cultures, but modern times,” she said. “There are a lot of fantastical animals, created out of imagination. There’s a lot of mystery … and whimsical stuff.”
The exhibit features four works by Hilda McKinnen, a California sculptor whose art helped inspire the exhibit after Marracci and Ringgold met her last year.
“She showed us images of her astounding work — life-size compilations of humans, animals, often a combination of the two as you might see in the well-known tales of Narnia,” said Ringgold.
Also showing at the gallery in the smaller “Loovre Gallery” space is an exhibit titled, “After the Wildfire: Reflections on Resiliency, Rebuilding and Recovery.”
The exhibit asked artists to respond to the aftermath of the catastrophic wildfires in 2014 or their experience of the 2015 Okanogan Complex of wildfires.
The new exhibit opens with a reception from 4-8 p.m. Saturday. The exhibit continues through Nov. 14.
