David Syre: In Dialogue

July 31, 2021 - February 26, 2022

Opening reception: July 31, 2021 from 5 to 7 pm

The exhibition “In Dialogue” presents a selection of new and existing paintings by David Syre that aim to initiate a conversation about pressing contemporary topics such as Climate Change, the BLM Movement, and Faith. Simultaneously, they are also in a direct dialog with the concurrent exhibition “Paintings of My Life” by local artist Beth Anna Margolis.  

David Syre addresses these topics and his personal perspective of the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest in his neo-abstract style through bold colors and delicate descriptive elements. The installation at the Gallery juxtaposes large and expressive paintings, in the style of street art murals, with small and delicate works on paper, referring to the universal forces of creation and a creative approach to landscaping. The works visually communicate with the Beth Anna Margolis’ works in the gallery's other spaces. Even if Syre and Margolis don’t share the same background, education, or artistic practice, their artworks similarly reflect their strong personalities and prolific art-making. Both artists dare with color, energetic patterns, and a constant reinvention of the elements of nature by which they are surrounded. Both artists’ indistinguishably lively artworks are motivated by their physical and oneiric experiences.

Indeed, Beth Anna Margolis observes in person, then portraits her proximate surroundings sourcing from her memories: a specific landscape view, a building downtown, or the festive atmosphere of a spiritual celebration. These moments become the sitters, the main subjects, of her canvases which appear simple yet with a very strong aura. Syre, in contrast, sources from his memories, literature, and spiritual experiences. He also draws from his subconscious. His complex canvases are a testimony to his many thoughts on a specific topic at the same time. Minimal, often abstract, backgrounds are adorned with detailed signs and symbols, drawing the audience into a universe of new meaning and coexistence. Both artists profess art as an alternative language.

The collection of artworks in this exhibition are in constant dialogue, visually and conceptually. They clearly relate to each other visually, but they also stand on their own grounds. In Dialogue is an exhibition that inspires us to have more conversations about the true and important things in life. It emphasizes the artists’ credo that art is a different, more accessible way to transcend information above and beyond ordinary limits.

The exhibition is accessible Tuesdays to Saturdays from 11 to 4 pm and by appointment.