Within our member show, In Search of Something More, all of the works provide options towards different realities or the action of seeking something. Floyd Kelley Jr.’s work, Road, sticks out to me as an invitation. Similar to the metaphor of “the road less travelled”, Floyd’s work shows two separate path combined, one path leading towards the moment we’re in, and one extending away. Depending on the viewer, the surroundings can call you in as a temptation, or allow you to stay grounded in the moment to continue on your present journey. Either direction you find yourself, I think we can all agree that this photo is timeless.
- DVAA Co-Director, Sam Connors

This deceptively simple painting from David Heshmatpour caught my eye when arrived for its inclusion in In Search of Something... Its austere composition reflects a clear interest in the tradition of minimalist painting, but the sudden realization that it's in fact a masterfully painted still-life was a delightful surprise. The title 'Vanitas' offers the next clue to dive deeper into the work. Sharing the same name, this highly symbolic style of European still-life painting reminds its viewers of the transience of mortality and the futility of pleasure. Regardless of personal opinions about modern technology, its overwhelming pervasiveness is certainly worth contemplating. 

Even though we all probably spend to much time too much time staring at our phones, staring at this phone feels far more conceptually stimulating. To my knowledge, neither Kazimir Malevich nor anyone in the Renaissance had a cell phone, but I'd think they would appreciate the nod and wink.
- DVAA Co-Director, Bryant Girsch

Ginny Perry's distinct ink paintings are filled with the emotions and stories of the people she interviews and draws inspiration from. This work is titled "Barbara", a pseudonym to protect the identity of the model, and boasts layers of pigment accented with dimensional acrylic paint. The paint, relating to the handwritten text in the background, generates a connection between our environment and the effects it has on our mental capacity/state. This, for me, generates concern for this person. I find myself lost in the confusion, disarray, and instability that plague the human brain.

This work is beautifully float mounted in a black frame that draws attention to the exposed paper edges and dimension of the raised acrylic paint. This work, like all of those included in Ginny Perry's solo exhibition, give space to the emotions and stories that often go untold.
- Danielle Degon Rhodes, DVAA Gallery Coordinator

At a glance, Portrait of a bedroom as it happened by Isabel Brown seems more playful than provocative. Upon closer inspection, the figure, colorfully knitted through mixed-media collage, depicts a dark scene. Isabel expertly plays with contrast. Contrast between playful and dark, comfort and pain.  

This particular piece transports the viewer to a world of the artists own imagining. Using bold colors and eye-catching geometric design, Isabel highlights the potential for tension and possible defeat in an environment meant to evoke comfort. A feeling we can all relate to, I think.
- Ronnie Knell, DVAA Marketing Coordinator

Want to make a contribution to the DVAA Blog? Email Ronnie at veronica@davinciartalliance.org.