Gabriella Boros: Mid-Career Retrospective
August 7 through September 8, 2005
East Gallery, Mary Radmacher Gallery, and Second Floor Gallery
Artist Statement
My work uses figurative symbols to embody a concept. My figural works are used as metaphors for statements or issues that I want to put forth. The large paintings are concerned with behavioral architecture, particularly the emotional functions of the forms and figures. Symbols represent silent emotions and repressed needs.
Interiors become exterior– hidden sensibilities serve as both support and ornament for archetypal observations and universal themes. Humor represents a shield from bitterness.
The recent work has increasingly disturbing topics and subjects and is my
reflection of suburban life. Since moving to the suburbs, I have witnessed
firsthand how under the stillness and uniformity of our suburban existence
lurks a life that is dark and scary.
The small scale which I currently use creates an intimacy that further penetrates our aversion to unusual or uncomfortable topics. By pulling the viewer in for a closer look, I uncover details in the paintings that create a wholly different meaning from the one the viewer first thought was intended.
In addition to the work’s small scale, I also heavily veneer the surface. This lends more depth as well as referring to the ancient veneer techniques of master painters. My intent is for the painting to convey an historical reference to the foibles of humans. Despite the contemporary dress and scenes, I attempt to create a classical feel in the small works.
I use the acrylic paint much as the old masters used their veneer, I carefully layered upwards of ten different surfaces of paint, making sure each one shows through to some degree. In addition, I purposely frame them (top and bottom) with the paper to further create distance from the topic and to reveal the beauty of the printmaking paper on which they lay.
Solo Shows |
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| 2005 | Mid-Career Retrospective, Skokie Public Library |
| 1993 | Around the Coyote, Chicago |
| 1992 | Foreign Journeys, Puszh Gallery, Chicago |
| 1991 | Strong Women, Puszh Gallery, Chicago |
| 1983 | BFA Degree Show, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
Group and Juried Shows |
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| 2004 | Chicago Art Open, Chicago |
| 2003 | Labyrinths: Group Show, Gallery Mornea, Evanston |
| 1996 | LifeCycles: Studies of Jewish Life, Richardson Library, DePaul University, Chicago |
| 1995 | Group Show, Gallicurci Gallery, Evanston |
| 1995 | Emerging Artists, Charach Museum Gallery, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan |
| 1994 | Stateline Vicinity Show, Rockford Museum of Art, Rockford |
| 1994 | Silent Auction, ARC Gallery, Chicago |
| 1994 | Hidden Treasures, Woman Made Gallery, Chicago |
| 1993 | Artists Invite Artists, ARC Gallery, Chicago |
| 1993 | Beauty and the Beast, University of Wisconsin Union Gallery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
| 1993 | Personal Visions Juried by Gladys Nilsson, An Art Place Gallery, Chicago |
| 1993 | Stolen, Puszh Gallery, Chicago |
| 1993 | Forty-Third Annual Quad State Juried Exhibit, Quincy Art Center, Quincy |
| 1992 | Arthur Baer Art Competition, Beverly Art Center, Chicago |
| 1992 | Galex XXVI Exhibition, Galesburg Civic Art Center, Galesburg |
| 1992 | Regional Show 6, Gallery 10, Rockford |
| 1991 | International September Competition Finalist, Alexandria Museum of Art, Alexandria, Louisiana |
| 1991 | Urban Worship, Near Northwest Art Center, Chicago |
| 1990 | Arthur Baer Art Competition, Beverly Art Center, Chicago |
| 1990 | Art Center 90 Juried Competition, Elk Grove Village |
| 1990 | Regional Show V, Merit Award Winner, Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 1990 | Annual Juried Competition, Farrington-Keith Creative Arts Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| 1989 | Arthur Baer Art Competition, Beverly Art Center, Chicago |
| 1989 | Regional Show IV, Indianapolis, Indiana |
| 1988 | Modern Jewish Family, Spertus College, Chicago |
History |
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| 1961 | Born in Jerusalem, Israel |
| 1968 | Family Emigrates to the United States |
| 1984 | Moved to Chicago, Illinois to freelance in graphic design |
| 1989 | Founded Boros Design Studio, a design and marketing firm |
| 1996 | Married Eric Bergson |
| 1998 | Moved to Skokie, Illinois |
Education |
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| 1983 | BFA University of Michigan School of Art, Ann Arbor, Michigan |
| 1982 | Sir John Cass School of Art, London, England |