Dangerous Beauty-Digital Art by Emily Juarez
One of the great things about Artswest, besides the shows, are the pre-show art exhibits in the lobby.
The pictures in this series are mostly in black and white, rendered digitally, with splashes of muted colors. Each painting has faces with poisonous plants intertwined around them. One patron told me that the muted color schemes were in contrast to the extreme danger presented by the plants. I just found them very pleasant to look at.
In the words of the artist
“The Dangerous Beauty art exhibit is a visual journey of transition and growth through its portrayal of poisonous plants. The muted colors and delicate linework communicate a sense of fluidity, speaking to the exploration of gender and identity. These images invite viewers to embrace their own transformation and recognize the beauty in the unexpected. As dangerous as these plants may seem, they hold a deeper meaning about the complexity of life and the importance of growth.”
Perhaps one can interpret these painting historically, what was once thought of “aberrant” or “poisonous” in society has now been muted by enlightenment, understanding and humanistic values, and the notion that there is no-normal, only variation.
At any rate, their subtlety is enchanting as is the light-filled lobby at Artswest. One of the great perks of being a theatre reviewer is being able to get to see such great art by emerging artists. (also the current show at Artswest-Hedwig and the Angry Inch is outtasight!)
Dangerous Beauty by Emily Juarez. Lobby of Artswest. Artswest 4711 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116. (West Seattle) Box office and Gallery Hours. Thurs-Fri 4-7pm. Sun. 11-4. (on Sun. you can stroll in while at the West Seattle Farmer’s Market)
Info: www.artforthetender.com