New joint exhibit explores time, movement, and life through the art of the line.
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – Lines, like life, metamorphose. A new joint exhibition at Art & Light Gallery in Greenville, SC brings together artists Madeleine Peck Wagner (Jacksonville, FL) and Meredith Mejerle (Athens, GA) to explore the “Art of the Line.” Lines change: they move, they explore. Lines weave their way in and out of our lives, they have the potential to transform not only us, but a blank paper or canvas. If we let them, they can take us on a journey of self-exploration. Magner and Mejerle traverse all of these concepts in “Art of the Line.”
Wagner finds she is motivated by introspection, vulnerability, and humor. Her animal forms are placeholders for myths, icons, and identity. In relation to this, Wagner reflects, “In this instance, an identity filtered through a Western European lineage with nods to theorists and humorists. Touching tangentially on ideas of conspicuous consumption and transformation, I work towards an idea of opposing ends, of unexpected beauty and magical thinking. Too, I consider the role the natural world plays in concert to the human world, and the responsibility humans owe the other occupants of the planet.” Her artwork navigates how we are all interconnected.
Wagner works in a manner that is slow and considered, time consuming and tedious. This serves two functions: it forces her to spend time in a place and space that she might otherwise be tempted to rush through. Also, it allows her to meditate through action, and in so doing, hopefully impart something special—almost magical to each piece. Wagner works primarily in line because it is quiet and singular, simple, and full of force. It is the most basic of gestures, it is the most extraordinary of things.
For Mejerle, lines are used to define. In relation to the exhibit, she says, “In nature, they allow us to digest our environment by separating textures, creating fields of colors, and
alluding to depth. Lines may be organic, rigid, continuous, tangible, light, bold, short, long…the list goes on.” If she could choose one word to describe a line, it would be temporary.
Mejerle observes, “I see lines as defining the measure of time. Dancing shadows evaporating as quickly as they appeared. The faintest tinge of brown on layers of petals. Stems bending quietly in the heat of summer.” This body of work is Mejerle’s interpretation of the fleeting moments found in nature. Whether at the hands of the elements or mankind, lines are in a constant state of change.
“Art of the Line” will be released through Art & Light Gallery at 10am EST on January 3rd online or in the gallery & conclude on January 28th at 4pm EST. The exhibit can be viewed & purchases made at www.artandlightgallery.com/exhibitions.
Join Wagner and Mejerle as Art & Light hosts an artist reception as part of First Fridays on January 6th from 6-8pm EST to celebrate this new collection.
About Art & Light: Since 2007, Teresa Roche and her team have offered creative, inventive, and inspiring pieces that help collectors merge affordability with discovery by showcasing one-of-a-kind elements that tell a story! Art & Light Gallery features over 50 emerging to established local, regional, and international artists in the gallery and online. With a hand-picked collection of artists, they have just the right piece for those casually buying gift-able art, those just wading into collecting, the designers hunting the perfect piece for clients and the seasoned art collector. www.artandlightgallery.com
About Madeleine Peck Wagner: Madeleine Peck Wagner is an artist, writer, and educator based in Jacksonville, Florida. An optimistic pessimist, she believes that in the end, things generally work out. She spends her free time at the beach, hiking the woods, and reading artist biographies as if the secret to success is therein. In a previous life, she worked in the locked psychiatric ward at University of Florida Health; there she made tangible, the transformative power of art and healing. That experience fuels her belief in a world made better and richer by art, artists, and expression.
www.artandlightgallery.com/artist/madeleine-peck-wagner
About Meredith Mejerle: After receiving her BFA in Art from The University of Georgia, Meredith Mejerle spent the next five years surrounding herself with flowers and other natural elements curating and composing unique compositions in a three-dimensional matter. Her experience studying organic lines within these compositions inspired her to create abstract and minimal line drawings—layering colors, lines, and textures as if each composition was a landscape within itself. Her art focuses on capturing the
movement and quiet details to create an overall “snapshot” of various floral scenes compiled through endless observations.
www.artandlightgallery.com/artist/meredith-mejerle
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
