zoe mcguire at library street collective
Earthshine
“Inspired by nature, music, and mysticism, Zoe McGuire creates surreal landscapes that hum with a range of vibrant colors and nuanced tonal scales that represent nature’s inherent spirituality and marvel at the evolution of human consciousness. Existing at the intersection of art, science and spirituality, the featured body of work is a culmination of McGuire’s research and considerations of the trinity of the earth, the moon and the sun in relation to the origins of life. Earthshine is a term used to describe the moon’s ashen glow, an illumination caused by sunlight reflecting off of the earth’s surface.
Significant to note, McGuire’s dreamlike interpretations of the natural atmospheres are not rooted in time or place. It is essential that the energy of the sun, the moon and of life are conveyed rather than representing their image in all its accuracy, prompting an evocative viewer experience that can generate a reminder of the common biological, ancestral, and structural threads of humankind.”
McGuire’s mystical landscapes are skillfully rendered in a creamy blend of vibrant colors. Her stylized flow incorporating the four natural elements are barely restrained by art nouveaux-esque trees. Foliage and water cool the blazing sun. There is no sacrifice of detail for scale as in a bead of light located where the meditative eyebrow center point resides.
Gardener rolls and folds creating a tunnel that tempts the viewer inward. One can easily imagine the movement of the brush as it effortlessly transports paint in a long curl. The velvety intertwined ripples create a palpable energy.
Moon Slide calms with starry night sky mystery. This piece is relatively small compared to the other works in this exhibition yet delivers provocative imagery with no loss of intensity.
This diptych peers through a more geometrical framework to an otherworldly setting that captivates and entices the viewer on a mental adventure requiring no passport. Despite a full spectrum palette in expansive dimensions, the scene remains serene and inviting.
In the face of so much political and social turmoil, there appears to be a quietly subtle trend toward the spiritual in our search for respite. The covid health emergency has officially been declared over but we haven’t quite gotten our sea legs back. While adjusting to our new landscape post trauma, McGuire offers a concrete vision of peace and tranquility.
On view through June 24th at Library Street Collective 1274 Library Street
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
**Real Art Detroit was awarded a Creators of Culture Grant for Art Journalism. Thank you to Culture Source for this honor acknowledging Detroit art one exhibition at a time.
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SHOWS OPEN THIS WEEKEND