‘Work and Play, Round and Round’ paintings by Kathy Black at Axel’s through July 3
June 5, 2021 | By Waterbury RoundaboutAxel’s Gallery & Frame Shop’s latest exhibition features paintings by Kathy Black on view through July 3.
Kathy Black's paintings use animals to explore themes of the universe. Photo courtesy Axel's Gallery
The collection contains work exploring several themes. One focuses on female power, originating from an inspiration from a horoscope that encouraged self-empowerment and to “seek the goddess, embrace the goddess, consume the goddess.” Black’s “Consuming the Goddess” paintings depict women from art history ready to consume an object of love, be it a child or pet or plant.
Other examples of Black’s work focus on the notion of play and the scope of the universe. Toys on a star map defy scale while the heavens are presented as a pond or the Earth, an island. Finger puppets on a galaxy toy with perspective and significance in the universe.
In presenting the exhibition, Black explains: “This exhibit is a selection of work from my exploration of women at different points in life, in work and in play, imagining what’s possible, trying to name what has changed. It also looks at how I, we, use play to look at the world and think about our place in it,” she writes. “It’s an investigation that may bring to life the monumental generational shifts and the odd, the ordinary and the surprising connections over time.”
Axel’s is open Wednesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.