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9/02/2022

FSU Art Alum Michelle Phillips solo exhibit “In the Light of day” at Venvi Art Gallery

 

FSU Art MFA ’20 Michelle Phillips second solo exhibit at Venvi Art Gallery “In the Light of Day” features 33 artworks reflecting on the simple beauties that decorate our lives, with an emphasis on scenes that reside in the home. Her graceful compositions, paired with her use of natural light and impeccable choice of colors, capture a precious moment in time and a tranquil place of refuge. Phillips paintings are quiet observations of light & color, form, and space. She focuses on still life subjects that have some level of visual seduction and symbolize characteristically feminine beauty; like ripe fruit, enticing flowers, and sparkling colored glass. Phillips interest in still life paintings comes from the relationship between gender and the domestic space throughout western history and how a seemingly quiet arrangement of objects can tell a story.

“Florida Finds” by Michelle Phillips

Mimicking the artist’s reflections on the outside world, she has recently begun focusing on reflective subject matter within the work, including unique pieces of antique glassware and a mirror on which she assembles her still life’s. This mirror catches the reflections of neighboring houses, clouds, and towering trees. With this setup, her pieces capture both the carefully posed still life’s and the spontaneity of the surrounding spaces. In addition to a new focus on reflective surfaces, Phillips has increased the scale on which she paints. With this expansion, she is able to create more complex compositions, playing with angles and the balance of the objects to create different moods and scenes.

“In the Light of Day” will be open from September 2nd to October 9th, with the opening reception on September 2nd from 5-8 pm. Venvi Art Gallery is located at 2901 East Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301.