Fredericksburg, TX
InSight Gallery, November 1-30
Michelle Dunaway, Best Friends, oil, 16 x 12.
This story was featured in the November 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art November 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
In her upcoming solo show, artist Michelle Dunaway explores the nature of humanity in a series of portraits from her recent travels around the world. The show, entitled Journeys, graces the walls of InSight Gallery throughout the month of November, with an opening reception on November 4 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Dunaway says that she has always been drawn to portraiture because of the unique stories and experiences each person has. “We’re all different mixtures, and no one has the exact same life experiences,” Dunaway says. “But, inwardly, we all go through the same emotional journeys.” Dunaway’s show is inspired by her travels in the United States and Europe over the past two years. The show includes some landscapes and still lifes, but the focus falls on her portraits.
Dunaway grew up in Anchorage, AK, and says she makes a trip back each year from her current home base in New Mexico. One of the main subjects in the show is the Native families and children she sees on her visits. “Some of the aesthetics and influences of that culture is what ignited that creativity in me as a child,” Dunaway says. “So to turn around and honor that culture is something I’m really excited about.”
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- Michelle Dunaway, Best Friends, oil, 16 x 12.
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- Michelle Dunaway, Dancer With Ermin Pigtails, charcoal, 22 x 16.
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- Michelle Dunaway, Creativity Shield, oil, 17 x 9.
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- Michelle Dunaway, Alaskan Doll, oil, 26 x 18.
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- Michelle Dunaway, Alaskan Child, oil, 20 x 16.
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- Michelle Dunaway, Remembrance, oil, 16 x 12.
Elizabeth Harris, InSight Gallery co-owner, says the gallery has represented Dunaway for a number of years because of the unique emotional expressions in her work. Harris says she is also excited about seeing the portraits from Alaska. “She always has a beautiful story that goes with each portrait,” Harris says. “It’s going to be interesting to watch her connect with people and watch people connect with her and her paintings.”
The show features about 20 pieces in a variety of sizes, including a few plein-air sketches done on location during her travels. Dunaway also shows her first bronze sculpture. Going forward, she plans to continue to travel to find new subjects to paint.
“When you go to a new place, you think it’s unlike anywhere else you’ve ever been,” Dunaway says. “But when you meet the people, their kindness and humanity is the same anywhere in the world. I want to celebrate the unique cultures I’ve seen but also tap into that common experience.” —Mackenzie McCreary
contact information
830.997.9920
www.insightgallery.com
This story was featured in the November 2016 issue of Southwest Art magazine. Get the Southwest Art November 2016 print issue or digital download now–then subscribe to Southwest Art and never miss another story.
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