January Shows at Chroma and Vault Virginia’s Great Hall

[Elizabeth Howard]

 

Opening Reception, Saturday evening, January 4th from 4:00 – 6:00

Sally Bowring: Still Life with Uncertainty

Artist Statement

In my work, I explore the intersections of still life and domesticity, weaving together a vibrant
tapestry of color, texture, and form. My love for textiles and patterns informs every piece,
creating an intimate dialogue between the objects depicted and the spaces they inhabit. Using
acrylic paint, I approach my canvas with an intuitive sensibility, allowing my hand to move
freely, guided by a sense of humor and playfulness.

My compositions often embrace an unbalanced quality, reflecting the chaotic beauty of everyday
life. This “almost failing” aesthetic invites viewers to reconsider notions of perfection,
celebrating the raw and imperfect aspects of our surroundings. High color saturates my work,
infusing it with energy and warmth, while shapes and forms emerge as characters in a narrative
that is both personal and universal.

Through my art, I aim to evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort, inviting viewers to find joy in
the mundane and to appreciate the textures of domestic life. Each piece is an exploration of
love—love for the objects we cherish, the spaces we inhabit, and the moments that often go
unnoticed.

Also opening in January in Vault Virginia’s Great Hall

Kinship: Photographs by Ted Hardin

Ted Hardin (1938 – 2007) was born in Washington DC and spent his professional career as a photographer in New York City. Starting out in fashion, his photos appeared in Glamour, Essence and numerous other publications. In the 80’s and 90’s he transitioned to more editorial work and shot over 30 covers for New York Magazine. He was a master at lighting and making his subjects feel at ease in front of the lens.

His daughter, Haley Hardin, recently began the process of digitizing his extensive archive, in the wake of the killing of George Floyd, digitizing photos taken at The March on Washington in 1963 and selling prints as part of a fundraiser. The archiving continued with images that she felt connected to that helped her feel connected to her father in a new way. As questions about the photos arose, Hardin contacted colleagues of her dad and used Instagram as a way of identifying individuals in the images.
Kinship is an exhibition that serves to remind us that there is more to link us than divide us. In images spanning decades and subject matter, it is a glimpse into the world of a photographer who used his ability to connect with his subjects – whether people or the city he loved – to make the viewer feel deeply. The exhibit will include photos from The March on Washington, stylized portraits and images from New York City in the 80’s and 90’s.

[Author]

Posts