Color Me In: Exploring Existentialism Existence of Women in the Unfathomable Universe

Each of us was asked by Frances Guichard, the curator for this exhibit, to
Speak to the existence of women in the unfathomable universe. Each artist showcases work through their own experiences, viewpoints, and dreams from the past, present, and future. 

I attempted to address the six common themes, "Existentialism," they are not all taken up by every existentialist thinker, and they are not entirely consistent with one another. But that’s life, right? The six common themes found in existentialism are: Existence precedes essence, Life is absurd, Alienation, Nothingness and Death, Fear, Dread, Anxiety, and 
Freedom.

Obscure- Obscurity the New Normal

Artwork Label Information:

Title: Obscure- Obscurity the New Normal

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Dimensions: 24” x 36” x 2”

We are forced to ask ultimate questions by the very nature of our lives and by our yearning for orientation and purpose in our lives, yet decisive answers prove unachievable. There is a realization that human concerns and human experience count in a world that has proven to be mostly unknowable. This corresponds to a suspicion of the reductionistic and over-confident ways of science, philosophy, and metaphysics and expresses continuity with the instincts of literature, poetry, and art.

Title: Reductionist

Artwork Label Information:

Title: Reductionist

Artist Name: Alpha Bruton

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Dimensions: 24” x 36” x 2”

This work was influenced by Lois Mailou Jones, where the central figure was blindfolded; here, the figure is glaring directly into space intensely. First, the daunting issue of what constitutes a meaningful way of life in a world in which all talk of purposes has become obscure in the new normal. Second, there is a pressing question concerning what is right and wrong in a world of moral chaos. Third, the daunting issue of what constitutes a meaningful way of life in a world in which all talk of purposes has become obscure.

Title: "A Self-Portrait"

Artwork Label Information:

Title: "Existence Proceeds Essence"

Medium: Acrylic on Linen

Dimensions: 20" x 72" (6- 20” x 8” panels, 1- 20” x 24”)

“Existence Proceeds Essence," a self-portrait starting at five, beginning my journey into the unfathomable universe as a woman, at different stages of my essence, 5-25- 30-35-45-50-55-60 (puberty, childbearing, menopause) ascending each level the universal, connection with spirituality and consciousness.

Title: Panel 1. Alienations - Social Criticism:

Artwork Label Information:

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Dimensions: 10’ x 6’ x 2” 

Examining the state of our current environment, we as women need to make decisions courageously. It has been said that the world is too small for more than one free reality. Humanity is at a crossroads, and we are addressing public policy and the injustice of a broken system.

Title: Deconstructing Social Conventions and Practices

Detail of panel #1- Girl squatting playing with jacks, a children's game.

Social Criticism: Deconstructing social conventions and practices. Examining the state of our current environment, we as women need to make decisions courageously. And stand upon the shoulders of those that came before us. Because our children are watching and are a generation that will shape the future.

Title: "Call for Prayer 1"

                            Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Title: "Call for Prayer" 2                                                                                    Dimensions;20" x 24"

Medium: Acrylic on Canvas

Dimensions: 20” x 24”

Our choice to be religious is essential to the life of faith. However, rejecting the notion of God is not a reality I can ever embrace.

"Spirit Keeper"

10' x 4', Acrylic on paper, mounted on pegboard masonite

Biographical profile, Artist Statement:

My current work examines cultural signs and symbols and their use or interpretation. I believe that objects in the public sphere communicate and reinforce certain cultural narratives, hierarchies, and social mythologies. My artworks, at times, are a window to the imaginary, a summons, and an overture to dialogue, that dialogue being traces of childhood memories to my adult life. 

My curatorial practice is the Phantom Gallery Chicago Network, where I am the chief curator and a board administrator. In addition, I collaborate with various art organizations locally, nationally, and internationally.  I am a member of the Bronzeville Art District and represented by Gallery Guichard since 2014.

436 E. 47th Street Chicago, IL. 773-791-7003, 708-772-9315 www.galleryguichard.com