I recently visited a few Galleries in Dallas, and really was excited to find some gems. First, we visited Liliana Bloch Gallery, where she has an amazing exhibition featuring the art of Fisk University’s Alicia Henry. Her work, a raw look at the dichotomy of real life, shows the way in which we tend to put on masks in everyday life to hide the true feelings that we shove deep inside of our souls for one reason or another, usually due to a power differential in society.
Her textile art is meticulously created to show the two sides that are present in many stories that society allows to become the truths in history. Liliana Bloch Gallery is a space that honors the upcoming artist, and allows visitors the opportunity to view works that might otherwise go unseen. I highly recommend a visit, and a tour of the art from Liliana herself, or from her assistant. They are happy to show you around! Visit the website here to see the current exhibition. Alicia Henry is on display until January 2nd, so go visit before the show leaves!
I also went to the Crow Collection of Asian Art in downtown Dallas. Now on display through January 7th is “Styled with Poise: Figures in Japanese Paintings and Prints”. I was really surprised by some of the images in this collection. As an art student for my undergraduate degree, I can remember learning a lot about Japanese art, and print making, but this collection had some really surprising pieces. For example, my memory would tell me that each of these images below represents a geisha figure, whereas this exhibit shows that as similar as they are depicted, they represent different sects from life in Japan in the 1800s. Now, I realize that the images appear a bit dark within this collection, but in order to display these images, the Crow has to agree to only display them with a maximum brightness equivalent to 5 candles. And those light reflections on the image are not flash, that is the lighting in the room, So, bear with me there!
Spiritual images are common, including Buddha and Bodhisattvas.
But check out this fantastic image! A ghost image!
Her story is beautiful, and not at all a story that I had heard about i school. Also fascinating is this work from the late Edo, early Tokyo period in which American images start to appear. This is when connection to the outside world was just starting to happen, as traditionally, Japan in the Edo period was closed to the outside world, only allowing trade from a few countries. It’s pretty enlightening to see these Americans, and brings the world a bit closer when East meets West, in the imagery from the East!
Now, head to the third floor, andyou will be amazed with this installation piece by Sopheap Pich.
Imagine the time it took to piece and weave these reeds together! It is a beautiful, Impressive piece that deserves to be witnessed. We imagined ourselves being able to walk through the natural forms. It’s just breathtaking.
Hurry out! Perhaps you have a day or two off from work and can make it out to see these great pieces!