Better Together

About

When painting and writing are good, it’s taken right out of life itself, to my mind. Now that doesn’t mean the work has to tell about real life…I mean it can be abstract or anything…but the vitality is taken out of real living.                

— Alice Neel, artist

The art of visual representation has evolved since the earliest cave pictographs, reflecting humanity's profound engagement with life's myriad experiences. Through the ages, artists have continually refined their skills across various mediums to capture the essence of human relationships, love, and cultural uniqueness.

In 2020, global events led to a significant shift in our daily lives, disrupting the natural flow of human connection. While digital platforms facilitated work and commerce, the absence of physical interactions with loved ones left a void. Many artists turned to memories and photographs, creating artworks that reminisced about times of connection and togetherness. Some delved into introspection, producing pieces that juxtaposed complex emotions.

Personally, the isolation was mentally and physically taxing. Every movie and tv show started to become bland, and the concept of time started to slip away. However, waking every morning, still wrapped in my blankets, the sight of a painting I have on my wall by Keywan Tafteh depicting an embrace gave me solace, and made me pull my blanket even tighter. On another wall, a large painting by Enchi portrays strong women amidst soft florals evoked cherished memories of impactful women in my life. These paintings were my mood boosters and helped me roll myself out of bed.

With this group exhibition, I aim to share these uplifting sentiments with you, the audience. “Better Together” is a call for human connection and an uplifting spirit of solidarity through figurative paintings by Daniela Garcia-Hamilton, Enchi, Mister Toledo, Asher Hartman, Keywan Tafteh and Daisy Velasco.

"Better Together" is curated by Aaron Schulte and will be on display at Gallery IDOLWILD from May 4 to June 1, 2024. We cordially invite you to the opening reception on Saturday, May 4th, from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. IDOLWILD resides in the Lincoln Heights district of north east Los Angeles. The gallery is situated within Keystone Art Space complex located at 338 S Avenue 16, studio #A4, Los Angeles, CA 90031.