As Charleston settles into a new kind of normal during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, art galleries around town are reopening, both virtually and in-person for socially distant viewing.
The first Friday of October sees a number of new exhibition openings around town, with several focused specifically on work created during the current pandemic.
On Oct. 2, you can head to these downtown galleries to see new art:
Robert Lange Studios’ upcoming exhibition Process, features the work of 20+ renowned painters focusing on the emotional effects of 2020 through the healing process of painting.
Robert Lange said of the exhibition, “Through the country’s experience of COVID-19 our artists have fought cancer, had babies, strengthened movements like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter, fought for change through DACA, NARF, and LGBTQ legislation … We wanted to give them the opportunity to paint about it so we asked some of the most emotive painters we have ever worked with to create one piece that showcases these feelings on canvas.”
In an artist’s statement, Alexandra Becker-Black discusses the relevance of her piece, “Freedom’s Siren.” “I support dismantling a culture of violence and racism and I will harness my responsibility as an artist to glorify all the colors of humanity,” she said.
Meyer Vogl Gallery, Nature is Nurture
Laurie Meyer’s solo exhibition, Nature is Nurture, opens on Oct. 2, featuring works Meyer has created since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. In an artist statement she said: “The pandemic and its restrictions encouraged my much-needed relationship with nature. Since March, I walked, mountain hiked, walked some more, rode bikes on the beach, and walked some more.”
An all-day pop-in opening celebration will be held on Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and the show will be on display through Oct. 23.
Miller Gallery, Scapes: Exploring togetherness by way of the Tablescape
Check out work from South Carolina artists Rachael Nerney and Kiah Bellows at this new exhibition from Miller Gallery, Scapes. The show opens on Oct. 2 with a reception from 5-7 p.m.
Nerney’s gouache paintings often celebrate food and Bellows’ palette is inspired by the colorful landscapes she encounters. The artists brought in a fresh perspective with photographer Kate Blohm; the artists used Blohm’s photos as a leaping off point for new work.
“Through this body of work I hope to stir up your favorite memories with loved ones. May it offer hope, so that with togetherness in our hearts, we make it through this unprecedented time,” said Nerney.
Principle Gallery, International Guild of Realism 15th Annual Exhibition
The Principle Gallery features work from a group of renowned realist artists, the International Guild of Realism (IGOR), which represents the work of over 475 juried professional members from over 35 countries.
Principle Gallery hosts IGOR’s 15th annual exhibition, featuring a blend of contemporary and classical realism and styles such as trompe l’oeil, magic realism and photorealism. Join Principle Gallery for an open house on Oct. 2, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
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