September 5 - October 1, 2020
“Archway Gallery presents Reinvention featuring new work by Barbara Able and introducing Daniel Able, on view September 5 through October 1, 2020.
Barbara Able’s new body of work is a series of paintings and collages that emphasize the resilience of our community in the face of unprecedented hardships. The works were created in response to the strife of COVID-19, which has been one of the most disruptive events in recent history. Many lives have been uprooted and likely will never return to normal.
Barbara has returned to figurative work after 10 years of working on abstract paintings and collages. According to the artist, “The social distancing has created a need for the return of the figure in my artwork to make the human connection. I found myself using the art not so much to push boundaries but to soothe and comfort me.”
This is Barbara’s fourth show at Archway Gallery, where she has been a resident artist since 2013. She has a B.F.A. in studio art from the University of Texas and has done post-graduate studies at Art League Houston and privately with nationally known artists.
Daniel Able’s series of work attempts to follow the emotional arc that he went through during this crisis. His first piece is called Reduction and is a depiction of a dear friend who passed away. It uses multiple layers fading out as they recede into the background. This is used to symbolize life fading; not only the fading of a friend but also the fading away of the day-to-day routine that Daniel was accustomed to.
In a time when acquiring paint and canvas has become more difficult, Daniel decided to create his works digitally. This exemplifies what can grow out of necessity and brings us to his next piece, Rachel, a digitally produced portrait of his girlfriend. This vibrant painting represents her willingness to adapt to any situation and the confidence to overcome adversity.
Daniel attended Lamar High School and graduated from the University of Colorado with a B.S. in Business. He currently lives in Denver and works in finance with an international company.
Reception: September 12, 2020 | 6:30–7:30 pm
Virtual Opening via ArchwayGallery.com or Facebook Live
2305-A Dunlavy
Houston, 77006 TX
(713) 522-2409
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