CIRCE: An Exploration of Myth, Meaning, and Discourse Intersecting Representation and Abstraction.
Where: SMITH CONTEMPORARY, 440 Julia St. New Orleans
When: Opening reception Saturday, July 5th 6-8pm.
On view through July 27, 2025
Participating artists:
1. Adrian Deckbar
2. Ronna S. Harris
3. Auseklis Ozols
4. Frances Swigart
5. Frahn Koerner
6. Nancy Hirsch Lassen
7. Sidonie Villere
8. Carol Peebles
9. Lil Pinney
10. Diane Killeen
11. Stacey Stanfill
12. Carol Leake
13. Sarah Thibodeaux
14. Alex Clark
15. Robert Warrens
16. Jamie Chiarello
Curator’s statement:
CIRCE: An Exploration of Myth, Meaning, and Discourse Intersecting Representation and Abstraction.
“All living and inanimate things are equally myth and equally miracle.”
(Losev, Aleksei Fyodorovich The Dialectics of Myth )
This exhibition explores representation and abstraction through the lens of myth. A tapestry of diverse perspectives; various dialects of visual art connect experiences and invite fresh understanding of unexpected overlaps. Although manner, means, and methods of expression vary, the imagery presents a connectedness that journeys beyond the boundaries of culture and into the realm of myth.
Joseph Campbell suggests we read myth as a reflection of the world inside us, (Myth and Meaning) and that,“mythological order is a system of images that gives consciousness a sense of meaning.” (Pathways to Bliss).
As we consider myth, meaning, and imagery together, an opportunity welcomes us, “as the delight in seeing the picture is that one is at the same time learning-gathering the meaning of things.” (Aristotle, Poetics)
“Presently they reached the gates of the goddess’s house, and as they stood they could hear Circe within, singing as she worked at her loom, making a tapestry so fine, so soft, and of such dazzling colours as no one but a goddess could weave.” (Odyssey, Book X)
