Julie Epp and MSAMI: See Me Now

NOV 26–DEC 28, 2024
THE CULTCH GALLERY

NOV 27: Opening Reception

Opening reception with the artists in attendance

NOV 27 from 6–8 PM

This event is FREE and open to the public!

Appetizers will be served and the cash bar will be open offering alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee and snacks.

Monday: 12–6pm
Tuesday–Saturday: 12-4pm
Sunday: Closed
Venue Info

THE CULTCH GALLERY
1895 Venables St.

DIRECTIONS

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This piece was inspired by singer Naomi Sharon’s song ‘Another life’, where she sings about the need to escape from reality into a life where she and her past love are engulfed in their passion for one another. The drums and bass in the song felt like a repetitive mantra praying, don’t let your love run out, that spoke to a deep yearning, like obsession.

Digging deeper into the subconscious; what it would look like and how it would feel. I wanted to explore the multiple layers of obsession; capturing the surface to the deepest and darkest aspects of it.
In my work as a pop surrealist painter, I delve into the intricate interplay between women, nature, and the narratives woven around them throughout history. Through my portraits and figure paintings, embellished with elements of flora, fauna, and symbolism pulled from diverse mythologies, I depict the multifaceted stories that have shaped perceptions of women across time. The recognition of women as both subjects and narrators of their own experiences is quite central to my artistic process. Too often, the tales passed down through generations have cast women as scapegoats for the missteps and misdeeds of men, perpetuating harmful double standards and restrictive archetypes. Drawing from mythology and a rich tapestry of global folklore, my work shines a light on the spectrum of representations of women, from serene embodiments of peace to vilified figures of malevolence. Stories about women often parallel common experiences we see today but the setting and seeming differences in the stories work to distance us, allowing us to put up barriers that stop us from seeing these similarities. There is a rejection of comparison because, much like holding up a mirror, we are forced to see the reality of a situation that we otherwise told ourselves doesn’t exist. My second series Is my Whimsical Faces series, which capture the imaginative and playful aspects of the subject, blending reality with fantasy. They include exaggerated features, vibrant colors, fantastical elements, and surreal backgrounds to evoke a sense of wonder and delight. These portraits are not just about depicting physical likeness but also about conveying personality, mood, and a touch of magic. Ultimately, my paintings intend to serve as a testament to the resilience, complexity, and enduring power of humans, offering a space for dialogue, contemplation, and empowerment in the ongoing journey towards equality and understanding. www.julilyart.com