ArtsWest Gallery
ArtsWest’s gallery is a generously-sized, C-shaped exhibition space [the open space in the “C” is ArtsWest’s theatre] that features work by contemporary artists from the Pacific Northwest region.The exhibitions, usually including two to four artists, run concurrently with our mainstage productions.
Informal, conversational artist talks are featured at each show’s reception. Each artist in the exhibition speaks briefly about their work and visitors have the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation. Both lively and informational, the talks give visitors a chance to meet the artists and consider the intersection of the work with contemporary issues.
The 2018 Call for Art is closed. Information for the 2019 Call for Art will be released by summer of 2019.
Now in the Gallery
New Works by Rae Akino
Sep 25 – Oct 27 2019
Artists: Rae Akino
BIO
Seattle based, self-taught visual artist. What began as a coping mechanism for depression and anxiety became a lens to examine and understand the world. Being closeted, a slave to others expectations, and losing one of the most important people to their existence caused a mental, emotional, and spiritual paralysis. The need to escape turned into isolation, until they were encouraged to draw their way out of it.
Influenced by music, theater, literature, film, life, people, etc; the DC native uses bold colors and expressive form to explore identity, sexuality, Afrocentrism, spirituality, mental health/ awareness, consciousness, and self. Centering the viewer into an emotional, mental, and spiritual connection with themselves opens the door to endless possibilities. Awakening desensitized emotions lead to the questions that spark conversations.
STATEMENT
Living in a society where boxes and labels are a way of life, forces one to hide and resent the parts of themselves that are not accepted.
Never being strictly one thing or another fostered the realization that “I am all things” “We are all things.”
Telling stories that are unheard, or undervalued gives greater meaning to any work.
My objective is to make the viewer connect and think outside themselves or what they know to be true.
To see beyond the pretty picture on the wall.