The current Pentimenti Gallery thought-provoking group exhibit is titled “To Be Bound By Place and Lore” featuring the works of Anne Buckwalter, Dan Gunn, Raúl Romero, Isaac Scott, and Soyeon Shin. “To Be Bound By Place and Lore” is a confluence of diverse perspectives that collectively examine how regional identity shapes our understanding of the world. By addressing themes of community, environment, and the intricacies of daily existence, the featured artists encourage viewers to reflect on their connections to place and lore.
Inspired by her Pennsylvania Dutch heritage, Anne Buckwalter explores gender identity and interpersonal relationships in her paintings. She uses diverse objects in intriguing domestic settings to examine intimacy and daily life. Her work reveals hidden layers of experience, highlighting themes like food and small living spaces while encouraging viewers to consider the concealed aspects of their environments.
Chicago-based artist Dan Gunn explores Midwestern imagery as a backdrop for America’s self-identity. His work creates emotionally rich scenes, forming a modern folk art that captures the present moment. Gunn contrasts urban, suburban, and rural themes in this exhibition by combining wood and nylon cord into elegant draperies. His pieces reflect a deep respect for heritage and cultural continuity, blending traditional techniques with contemporary practices to evoke lasting emotions.
Raúl Romero’s artistic practice focuses on connecting people and their environment. His contribution to the exhibition features a four-channel immersive sound experience with hand-hammered copper forms that act as acoustic transducers, producing distinctive metallic sounds. The composition includes nature recordings from Puerto Rico and Tampa Bay, highlighting the rhythms of black drum fish. Romero’s work merges visual and auditory art, emphasizing our link to the natural world.
Ceramic artist Isaac Scott draws inspiration from his experiences in West Philadelphia, focusing on the neighborhood’s vibrant culture and social dynamics. His sculptures explore unity, resilience, and identity, connecting the history of Philadelphia’s Black community with Bartram’s Garden. Inspired by Tupac Shakur’s poem “The Rose that Grew from Concrete,” Scott highlights the challenges faced by today’s communities while conveying hope for a brighter future. His work presents a unique perspective on urban life, blending beauty, nature, and humanity.
South Korean artist Soyeon Shin creates vibrant acrylic paintings that reflect her inner thoughts and mental landscape. She focuses on capturing the small details of daily life, blending South Korea’s minimalist and industrial architecture with elements of nature. Her work highlights the balance between natural and manufactured environments, inviting viewers to explore her local cityscape.
Pentimenti Gallery continues its tradition of showcasing innovative and meaningful contemporary art that resonates with art lovers from all walks of life. “To Be Bound By Place and Lore” is a captivating exploration of the ties that bind us to our surroundings and the narratives we construct within them.
The group exhibit will remain on view at Pentimenti Gallery until December 20, 2024.
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