With most galleries easing their way from underneath the after effects of Hurricane Sandy, we were more than happy to see our friends over at Lyons Weir get back on their feet.
NaShish Scott/Courtesy Quiet Lunch Magazine.
Reemerging from their hiatus with a bang, the gallery debuted their exhibit for the talented Melodie Provenzano. Titled Rock Center, the show features a series of selected works from the New York native–works that touch on the concept of nostalgia and personal sentiment. Provenzano, who is a “closeted wrestling fan,” is a life long student of the arts, learning to color when she was two years old and winning her first art contest by the age of three. When asked about her general inspiration, Provenzano replied:
“I’ve been compelled to draw and paint since I was very young… my mother taught me how to color when I was two and I won my first coloring contest when I was three. My inspiration comes in the way a tree grows–it’s just in me. I’m inspired to make art because it is who I am.”
Melodie Provenzano. (NaShish Scott/Courtesy Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
Provenzano in front of “Junkyard Sun”. (NaShish Scott/Courtesy Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
What is most unique about Provenzano’s work is her connection to the items in the paintings. Believe it or not, but Provenzano owns every single item that she paints; arranging them skillfully on her own whim. In an effort to achieve the perfect balance, she arranges each piece until it’s just right.
“They all have an emotional connection–or [better yet] I have an emotional connection to all of them… There is some sort of inherent quality that I’m attracted to–by looking at the paintings you might think that I like all objects, but I don’t.
No one object represents me, but all of the objects combined represent me… These paintings are based on still life, so I have all of these objects. I set them up, and then I paint from observation… I put them in plastic drawers, stacked to the ceiling. [Laughs]”
“Bermuda Triangle”. (NaShish Scott/Courtesy Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
“Mojave Sundown”. (NaShish Scott/Courtesy Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
In retrospect, Provenzano’s work is chocked full of intimate detail. Even straightforward pieces like “Outer Space”–which cleverly depict the constellations in the sky–are deceptively simple. Provenzano’s work is a literal translation of who she is; a manifestation of her life’s journey through personal heirlooms. Rock Center will be showing at the Lyons Weir Gallery through December 22nd.
“Outer Space”. (NaShish Scott/Courtesy Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
“Bow of Bethlehem”. (NaShish Scott/Courtesy Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
“Martin’s Chapel”. (NaShish Scott/Courtesy Quiet Lunch Magazine.)
Written by Akeem Duncan.↓
Akeem K. Duncan (n.): editor in chief; despised by most of the staff.
Akeem is our founder. A writer, poet, curator and profuse sweater, he is responsible for the curatorial direction and overall voice of Quiet Lunch. The Bronx native has read at venues such as the Nuyorican Poets Cafe, KGB Bar, Lovecraft and SHAG–with works published in Palabra Luminosas and LiVE MAG13. He has also curated solo and group exhibitions at numerous galleries in Chelsea, Harlem, Bushwick and Lower Manhattan.