Morning Shadows by Mary Finlayson
ALONG COMES MARY The vibrant interior spaces of artist Mary Finlayson at JoAnne Artman Gallery in Laguna Beach
Considering interiors as portraits that contain their own narratives, Mary Finlayson’s compositions explore the stories that each space tells about the people who inhabit them. Navigating themes of home, memory, and self through her still lifes and interiors, Finlayson’s interest in painting interior spaces and still lifes portray how environments reveal identity. Along Comes Mary Too is an exhibition of new works by the artist at JoAnne Artman Gallery in Laguna Beach. In homage to the iconic works of Corita Kent, David Hockney, Henri Matisse, and Stuart Davis, Finlayson borrows similar bright color palettes, repetitive patterns and simplified forms. Creating tightly constructed compositions unique to her own style, she combines her backgrounds in printmaking and painting to layer and contrast colors. Creating environments that are partly real and partly imagined, Finlayson’s ability to craft a story by way of her art is enigmatic. A celebration of color, pattern, and form, Finlayson’s work has a fresh and unique aesthetic through her use of gouache and vinyl emulsion. Flattening the perspective of each scene, her still lifes provide a voyeuristic glimpse into each curated space while capsulizing the intimacy of each scene. Energetic lines evoke movement that helps enliven the otherwise stagnant settings and floral arrangements while reduced, simplified forms reveal a complex, structured, distinctive style.
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