NEW EXHIBIT IN THE DOWNTOWNER GALLERY:

On View April 27-June 25

Modern Masterpieces

The exhibit “Modern Masterpieces” exhibit reveals how local visual artists are inspired by other artists and artistic movements spanning across time and the globe.

At times, the exact inspiration might be obvious to the viewer, other times, may be more subtle. Certainly, many artists cite multiple sources of inspiration affecting a single artwork. When you visit the exhibit, we encourage you to pick up a listing of the Artist Statements so that you can be offered a tour of each artwork and its inspiration through the artist’s own words.

So, just what kinds of inspiration are in this exhibit? We see fiber artists influenced by painters Joan Miró and Georgia O’Keeffe; a sculptor who creates stationary pieces inspired by admiration for Calder’s iconic mobiles; a photographer who translates her love of Japanese ink paintings through the format of photography; and an artist whose work looks like Rorschach paintings, aka psychological inkblot tests, but with his own artistic voice. This show also includes a humorous trio of works that show what classic paintings would look like if a cat photobombed them.

Influences that are centuries or decades old are shown alongside art inspired by new artists. So, you will see a mixed media artist whose work draws inspiration from graffiti artists like Lee Quinones. Another artist found very new inspiration from Beeple and the Non-Fungible Token art movement, a variation on digital art using blockchains. Although Beeple’s work recently garnered him millions at auction, the Downtowner Gallery always offers you locally made and affordable artwork, at a range of price points. We thank you for supporting local artist-owned businesses by purchasing art from our exhibits.

Thank you to the visual arts nonprofit Round Rock Arts for curating this exhibit in the Downtowner Gallery.