Gualala Arts Promoting public interest and participation in the arts since 1961
Body of Water
“This exhibition will feature my series of abstract expressionist mixed media paintings, which explore the beauty and sensuality of our local seaweed. To deepen viewers connection to the local kelp forests, I have invited others to collaborate.” Amanda Rose Hopkins:
“Body of Water” is a sensory exhibition for ocean lovers at the Dolphin Gallery in Gualala opening on Saturday, July 9, 2022, with a reception set from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Snacks and non-alcoholic refreshments will be served at the Dolphin patio. Amanda Rose Hopkins art exhibit, “Body of Water”, will open with two dance presentations by Rhia Gowen beginning at Gualala Arts at 2:00 p.m., and immediately following at the Dolphin Gallery.
These are the paintings of Amanda Rose Hopkins (who some will remember from her time on the Mendonoma Coast as Amanda Rose Pence). The art is a colorful, textural collection of mixed media paintings incorporating elements from the sea, inspiring intimate connection with the kelp forest. Rhia Gowen has created a video of a multimedia dance performance against a backdrop of ocean photography by Tom Gruber which will be on display in the Dolphin Gallery.
Amanda Rose Hopkins style is rooted in abstract expressionism, with a striving to merge the two dimensional and three-dimensional realm. She also adds, “my work also delves into the world of eco-art because of my collaborative process in which the patterns within the found objects in nature drive the composition of the work.” Hopkins is fascinated by patterns that repeat themselves in nature and within the human body, especially particular types of plant life that are bio-indicators, such as lichen and kelp. “For instance, branching systems are seen in rivers, veins, leaves, lichen and in valleys . . . These patterns can also be seen as systems that connect human beings to the natural world, as we are also built and shaped by these systems.” The art these hands create combines sensual colors with an environmental aesthetic with the intention of exciting the senses while encouraging an awareness of nature.
Rhia Gowen has been a dancer since the age of 6. During her 23 years in Kyoto, she co-founded United Multimedia Dance Theater Productions and later studied Butoh, as well as Jiuta-mai Japanese dances receiving the Natori (Master) title. She was inspired by her husband, an underwater photographer, to become a scuba diver, and was deeply moved by the beauty of the ocean and then dedicated herself to ocean advocacy after meeting Sylvia Earle.
To open the exhibit at 2:00 p.m., July 9, Rhia Gowen will dance for about 15-25 minutes by the Redwood Grove picnic tables, adjacent to the Gualala Arts Center, and then she will invite viewers to follow her to the Dolphin Gallery, where she will do another short dance outside of the Gallery to open the exhibit. The music is inspired by the sea, composed and recorded by Tom Gruber and friends.
“Body of Water” will continue at the Dolphin Gallery through Sunday, August 7, 2022. More information about Amanda Rose Hopkins is at ArtOfNature.me and Rhia Gowen at ZanaDance.com.
