LYNN — Mythology is full of tales that are intended to teach a lesson, explain the many mysteries of life, or describe the customs or religious rites of a people. The main characters in myths are usually gods, demigods or supernatural humans.
Galleries At LynnArts (GALA) chose the subject as the jumping-off point for its new exhibit, “Mythology,” which opens Friday night with a reception from 5:30-8 p.m. The show, curated by Emmanuelle Le Gal and Patty Klibansky, will run through March 25 at GALA’s 25 Exchange St. headquarters.
The curators asked artists which myths spoke to them. More than 40 artists responded with a diverse collection of some 85 pieces dealing with modern mythology.
Stefanie Timmermann created a terra cotta “plague mask” that keeps people healthy. Tony Scarpetta submitted three photographs of Taiwanese women, one of whom wears a neck-stretching ring. Carlos Arturo Gonzalez’s “The Rainmaker” is an interactive, rejiggered old-style video game featuring Aztec gods and a soundtrack. Lemaris Bell explored the “Star Wars” myth with a set of four nesting dolls. Elizabeth Hall digitally photographed a doll and put her in various guises, including that of a fertility god.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Le Gal said that “myths and mythological references are around us all the time. Mythology is an abundant theme in art. Nike sneakers, the Olympic Games, movies and books that modernize traditional stories. We were excited to see what artists chose to illustrate. Would it be modern ideas of the ‘hero’ or ‘trickster’ or would it be traditional symbols and tales?
“The diversity of work artists submitted is incredible.”
Klibansky said, “Myths translate emotions, expressions, knowns and unknowns of multiple global cultures. The artists in this exhibit are inspired by mythological allure. In our society artists continue to download, upload, write, paint, act and create it. We are continuing the ‘myth’ tradition, using multiple mediums we have access to today. This exhibit is engaging for many of us who are still fascinated by it as much today, as when we were children.”
The opening reception will also feature West African drumming by Mamadou Diop, who will bring extra percussion instruments for attendees to use, a mythology treasure hunt with original artworks as prizes, and a dance performance piece by Miko Timmermann.
Food for the opening reception will be provided by Atha’s Famous Roast Beef, Pizza and Subs of Lynn and Eva’s Pastries of Peabody..
Participating artists are Ashley Cole, Caitlyn Yvonne, Carlos Arturo Gonzalez, Claudia Paraschiv, Dawn Jenkins, Elizabeth Hall, Elizabeth Healy, Emmanuelle Le Gal, Gabriela Marshall, Jack Holmes, Janice Koskey, Jason Goodwin, Jessie Goodwin, Jeanne Carey, Jessica Jordan, Jill Regensburg, Kaleb Hudson, Karen Matthews, Kimberley Sheard, Lemaris Bell, Larry Dunn, Lisa Boemer, Malik MacDonald Rushdan, Marilyn Dunn, Maris Prost, Mark Hammesfahr, Michelle Brown, Michelle Shortsleeves, Nicole Werth, Patty Klibansky, Paula Agganis, Raymond Gilbert, Sally Jacobson, Sheila Farren Billings, Sheila Golden, Simone Stivi, Sophia Kelnecker, Stefanie Timmermann, Stephen Levin, Tamara Wolfson, Tony Scarpetta, and Trinidad Martinez.
For additional information, go to galleriesatlynnarts.org or the organization’s Facebook page.
