A new show of women artists painting women (subjects) is organised by Haynes Galleries (US) and features nearly 25 artists, including yours truly. The ‘Female Gaze’ takes centre stage in this interesting exhibition. It was inspired by the ‘Women Painting Women’ group who have been organising exhibitions for a number of years in the quest to promote women artists.
This is my third WPW show, the first one was in Glasgow with Art Exposure, last year I joined an exhibition at Principle Gallery in Alexandria USA and now Haynes Galleries is organising their show with gallery artists and invited artists.
“These artists are redefining what it means to be a woman and an artist,” says Gary R. Haynes, gallery owner. “They are tackling themes, challenging preconceived notions, and forging new paths. But they each have their own distinct voice.”
My painting The Guest was inspired by the many roles women take on in modern day society. They dress-up, apply make-up and behave in certain ways in certain situations. Some women enjoy this, while others find it a burden. The Guest shows this role play in a theatrical setting.
Among the artists are fellow UK painters Tina Spratt and Stephanie Rew and from the US is an impressive selection of established realist artists such as Ellen Cooper, Alicia Ponzio, Alia El-Bermani (one of the founders of the WPW group), Teresa Oaxaca and many others.
Exhibition Dates/Links
Haynes Galleries:
Thomaston:14 Aug- 19 Sept 2015
Nashville: 9 Oct – 7 Nov 2015
A video of the exhibition
The two-page feature in American Art Collector’s September 2015 issue.
HAYNES GALLERIES
The show is on until 19 September 2015 at
Haynes Galleries,
91 Main Street, Thomaston Maine.
It will then move to
Haynes Galleries,
Nashville Tennessee
9 October – 7 November 2015
www.haynesgalleries.com
PRESS:
American Art Collector September issue, which was so kind to devote a paragraph to my painting, The Guest.
American Art Collector October issue
Online Underpaintings Magazine (subs. only)
Fine Art Connoisseur
Local News website Café des Artistes
Dear Mr Berkley, thank you so very much for those amazing words. This is what I paint for! I am so touched that my painting moved you, and even that you want to support me in my work. Of course there is no need. At all. If you email me your address (don’t post it here publicly) I will have a look around to see if I can send you an postcard or something of this painting. Thank you so much again, you made my day. Sophie
Ms. Ploeg, I saw your painting “The Guest” in Thomaston. I was riveted. Transfixed. I couldn’t take my eyes off of it (though they got misty with tears). I rarely have this reaction to a work of art. In fact, I can’t remember the last time that it happened. It shook me to my core.
As someone just beginning a new profession (social work), I could not buy it. But I would be happy to donate $100 to support you in your work. It would be my way of saying thank you for reminding me of how art can move and inspire. Just tell me how (e.g. paypal).
Sincere regards,
Sean Berkley