Sunlight and Shadow exhibit evokes calm and contemplation
"Sunlight and Shadow," works in pastel by Kalamazoo artist Melody Allen, will be on display in the College of Health and Human Services second floor art gallery through March 2, and a reception that is free and open to the public is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 4 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the gallery. The reception will also include a tea tasting hosted by Tudor House Tea and Spice. Parking will be free in lot 104.
This still life exhibit shows Allen’s continuing interest in portraying sunlight and shadow. “I am drawn to warm, natural light,” she says, “and I love the contrast between the strong value differences and the interesting abstract shapes of the shadows.” To her, the objects and their shadows are equally important.
In order to elevate their importance, Allen limits the number of objects in each work, and she creates a sense of simplicity and calm by leaving out background details. Thus, the term “still life” describes the genre of the works as well as the effect of calm and serenity they evoke in the viewer. Such moments of contemplation, Allen believes, are important to counteract the frenzy of our high-tech, fast-paced society.
With a background in graphic design, Allen began taking pastel classes at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts in 2000. Since 2005, she has shown her works in numerous juried shows and solo exhibits. She currently teaches classes at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts and is a member of the Great Lakes Pastel Society, The Northern Indiana Pastel Society and Signature Artists group.
The public is also invited to view the exhibit through March 2, Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 8 to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Gay Walker at gay.walker@wmich.edu or (269) 387-3839.