A Convergence at The Art Trust

Posted by Victoria Rose on August 25, 2022

You Never Told Me I Could Fly, Mikel Elam

Bringing together the work of artists to create an exhibition that engages and challenges viewers is an art form in itself. The juxtaposition can bring new meaning to artwork, whether it is the first time on display or a piece that has traveled around the world for decades or even centuries. When art converges in one spot, magic can happen.

Convergence, the new exhibit at The Art Trust, showcases three artists, Mikel Elam, Matt King, and Carlos Nuñez. Their unique styles contrast and overlap, with bold lines and vivid colors drawing the eye through the exhibit. On display through September 23^rd, the exhibition will host an Artists’ Reception on September 9^th from 5 to 8:30 pm.

“It's very rewarding as a curator to introduce artists you love to the community,” says Andrea DellaVecchia, curator of Convergence. “Each piece in the exhibit causes you to pause and think, and each time I visit the gallery, I notice something new in the artists' work.”

“I think what is most interesting to me is three artists all working in their own head spaces, with a similar stream of consciousness happening between them,” says Elam. “Although we all have our individual messages to convey, I see the paintings all having a dialogue between them. Perhaps a coded message about this time and space we inhabit.”

Inspiration came from varied sources for each artist. “As an expressionist, I absorb my surroundings and process this emotional experience by painting it onto canvas,” King explains. Elam, who works in the genre of Afrofuturism, notes that “The bold color pallet using figuration is something we all share. It’s the foundation of the exhibition.” Their tondos (circular paintings) evoke everything from religion to classical dance to mythology.

DellaVecchia sees the overt and subtler tones of the pieces and the show as a whole: “I think Nuñez’s art has a direct loud message through his graphic visual imagery at first glance and then you discover subtler imagery once you look more closely. Both Elam and King use a vivid palette but have a quieter message. Each piece in the exhibit causes you to pause and think. Each time I visit the gallery, I notice something new in the artists' work.”

The Art Trust is a charitable organization that brings together artists in unique shows throughout the year. Funds raised from sales of the artwork are used to create art scholarships and sponsorships. The exhibition space in the lobby of Meridian Bank in Downtown West Chester serves as a gathering place for artists and collectors alike. As Nuñez notes, “As an art educator, I am excited to be a part of an exhibition that gives back scholarships.”

“The art is this exhibit is beautiful at first glance but changes and develops as you get to ‘know it’ better,” DellaVecchia says. Elam hopes visitors will take their time with the exhibit and each piece: “I ask the visitors to dive into each image. Investigate the nuances. View them as you would a book or a film. Allowing the images to introduce themselves. Tell their story.”

King hopes visitors have strong reactions to the exhibition. “In my opinion, it’s up to the viewer to interpret what they see and feel. It’s not right or wrong. As an artist, we present a visual language and hope to connect through subject matter and plastic means. Even if the viewer dislikes the piece, it’s still a success because there was an emotional connection.”

Convergence at The Art Trust is on display through Sept. 23. An Artists’ Reception will be held on Sept. 9 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. The Art Trust is at 16 West Market Street, West Chester. More information can be found at TheArtTrust.org.

About Victoria Rose

Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.