@mundoenfermo

Meagan Magpie Rodgers’s “Solace” at Haven Gallery.

Currently on view at Haven Gallery in Northport, New York is artist Meagan Magpie Rodgers’ exceptional solo exhibition, “Solace.”

“Solace” is comprised of seven paintings and two drawings that feature the artists beautiful and surreal portraits of females, many of which are based off of herself, and painted without their jaws. Rodgers work is surrealistically symbolic and highly emotive with strong tethers to representing the human condition. Her portraits embrace some of the most powerful human emotions including love, loss and anxiety. The lack of jaws found on her sitters and own self portraits are a stylistic choice that subconsciously convey the artists own shy qualities. Despite the inability to verbalize, each woman expresses herself elegantly through her use of body language and facial expression. A nod to the artists own use of art as a form of communication when words cannot be expressed.

“Solace” is also characterized by Rodger’s use of western imagery to represent a longing for her hometown in Southern California. Cacti, poppies and desertscapes characterize this particular body of work and not only capture the artists sense of yearning to return to her original hearth but also represents the prevalent isolation faced by humans in recent times. Still, despite the quiet land and inarticulate women, Meagan’s work teems with life and connection. Whether it is her strong sense of emotion or the exceptional strokes of her medium, bristling with ardor, her sitters evoke and provoke their viewer. Rodger’s work in “Solace” are a beautiful and heartfelt reminder of the passionate feelings and various roads of personal expression that can often weigh heavier than words alone.  

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