FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zenith Gallery Presents
Much out of Little -The Art of Mixed Media
Featuring: Linda Atkinson, Holly Boruck, Ram Brisueno,
Julee Dickerson-Thompson, Michael Madzo, and Joanathan Ribaillier
Exhibit Dates: May 21 – July 3, 2021
Opening Receptions:
Friday, May 21, 4–8 PM click here for ticket EVENTBRITE
Saturday, May 22, 2-6 PM click here for ticket EVENTBRITE
Masks are required and temperature will be taken at door.
At 1429 Iris St. NW Washington DC 20012
L-R: “We Are All Thirsty for Deliverance” by Michael Madzo; “North, South, East, West 2” by Linda Atkinson; “Black Narcissus” by Ram Brisueno
Linda Atkinson thinks of her sculptures as visual poems. She is interested in expressing actions or characteristics that address the human condition, and translate emotions into image, to invent objects which mystify yet beg meaning. Atkinson wants these objects to have weight and presence, to provoke curiosity, to be multi-faceted, to be at times humorous, to be profound, and to have heart. Putting elements together, she strives for the same sort of compactness and clarity that poetry often delivers. The meaning becomes an allegory or metaphor, or even a pun. A visual experience that is satisfying and unfolds with the making.
Holly Boruck “A consistent thread throughout my work is a deep interest in the human psyche, earthly experiences, feeling a tender sensitivity toward the outcast, shunned and darker corners of who-we-are. I’m interested in asking questions without needing to provide or find answers, pondering the idiosyncrasies of life. My work explores human nature and the mysterious landscapes of the psychological inner realms.” Bourck has an MFA in Painting from California State University Northridge and a BFA from California College of the Arts in San Francisco. She currently teaches art at California State University Northridge, Ryman Arts and Moorpark College.
R-L: “Is This Not the Bird and Bees” by Holly Boruck; “The Power of Griot” by Julee Dickerson-Thompson
Ram Brisueno uses a variety of mediums, materials, and objects to create narratives that relate to personal identity and social perceptions with an emphasis on highlighting textures, color and form. His work brings attention to both surface and concealed images and meanings revealed through intuitive responses, allowing a compositional unity with themes of myth-making and personal identity. An artist he admires, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, put it simply “Above all else, it is about leaving a mark that I existed: I was here. I was hungry. I was defeated. I was happy. I was sad. I was in love. I was afraid. I was hopeful. I had an idea and I had a good purpose and that’s why I made works of art.”
Julee Dickerson-Thompson is a multi-media artist. Her work ranges from painting and soft sculpture/fiber into public art and illustration. Julee is noted for a unique, stylized approach to line drawing that becomes characteristic of her work in all forms of media. “A spiritual momentum is ever present as I explore the Creator’s metaphors by allowing myself to become a vessel for my work. It is a moment of sweet surrender when I can truly open my pores and allow my soul to be guided spontaneously by painting my libations.” Her goal is “to nourish and delight…the eye…the soul…the Spirit!”
l-r: Is this Not Birds and Bees, by Holly Boruck; The Power of Griot, by Julee Dickerson-Thompson
Michael Madzo’s artwork speaks for itself in luminous hues and vivid, often-times whimsical subjects. His trademark technique of sewing bits of his paintings together attracts attention both for its symbolism and for the rich texture it adds to the works. Madzo’s artwork is a synthesis of both traditional and textile art. Many of Madzo’s images depict personae and creatures that are at once fanciful, grotesque, and heroic, and at the same time, communicate a compassion and empathy that results in a haunting impression.
Joanathan Ribaillier moved to the District of Columbia from France, where he was born and grew up. He currently works with antique maps (from roughly 1920 to 1970) which he uses because of their color and texture but also because, they symbolize the roads people travel and their journeys and struggles for a better life. He uses maps as his medium because he spent his childhood around these objects in Lyon’s largest flea market where his family members had stands. As an immigrant working in Washington D.C., he brings a unique multicultural perspective to projects. “My work presently consists of cutting portraits and other images into several maps and layering them to create depth and texture with the geographic specificities of each map”
Anatomy Female, by Joanathan Ribaillier
Now celebrating 43 years in the nation’s capital, Zenith is recognized for its unique mix of contemporary art in a wide variety of media, style, and subject. The gallery provides high-quality acquisition, art consulting, commissioning, appraisal and framing services, through its gallery/salon/ sculpture garden off 16th Street at 1429 Iris Street NW, WDC 20012. Zenith also curates rotating exhibits at the Eleven Sculpture Space at 1111 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, WDC 20004.