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Writer's pictureKrista M Jones

FIGURATIVE ABSTRACT PAINTINGS DEBUT AT THE HUDGENS CENTER

Updated: Jun 10, 2023



[Atlanta, GA April 21, 2023] Patchwork, A Solo Exhibition by Krista M. Jones opens May 6th to the public from 2pm- 4pm at the Hudgens Center for Art & Learning in the Fowler Gallery and will be on display through July 22, 2023.


Centering on symbolism, Patchwork is a collection of figurative abstract paintings and sculptures that explore human experience through fragmented landscapes and avian themes, with a tendency towards deformation and dislocation of shapes and subject matter. This collection reflects the artist’s life as a recovered opiate addict, how they process everyday life and embrace the freedom that sobriety has provided. It highlights a multitude of concepts and styles and present them in a cohesive fashion. The artist states, “I’m interested in breaking down subjects into simplified forms and putting them back together in complex ways that challenge the mind. I want to offer the viewer just enough visual cues to create their own story, furthering contemplation so they feel connected to the work.” Some of the themes found in the exhibition are about the cycle of life, freedom, movement, balancing contradiction, and the multiplicities of existence. By bringing them together in the same space Jones examines how they exist together, and problem solves ways to balance these complexities. Esteban Patino’s review of the collection sums up the core elements. He shares, “I can get lost in my own thoughts looking at this body of work, the perfect balance between the landscapes and the drama that evolves, usually in the middle of the work, to me completes the idea of a combination of taking chances, risk, and innovation, that finally delivers a central punch.


There is a balance of mystery and hope that resonates to our human condition. Its intriguing how these paintings can exist almost in an atemporal space. While they were made in the present, they seem to still reflect old fears, future dreams, and present anxieties. However, if you look intensely, and pay attention, you will discover the underlying message: we are all made from the same fabric, we all look at the sky for inspiration, and we’re in it together.” – Esteban Patino, Contemporary Artist, Atlanta Georgia & Medelin, Columbia.


This exhibition includes 20 paintings (6 of which are large scale), a soft relief sculpture and dried ivy vine installations. Sculptural pieces are intended to provide more accessibility to the artist’s work and process. The relief sculpture toward the back of the exhibition is meant for gentle touch, inviting both sighted and visually impaired attendees to gain a tactile interpretation of color, shapes, and texture found within many of the paintings. The dried ivy vines installation is a portion of the actual vine that inspired many elements found in the collection’s paintings. “Working with Krista Jones has been a pleasure”, says Kate Driscoll, Curator for The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning. “I knew she was a consummate professional through working with her when we commissioned a mural from her a couple of years ago, but working with her on her fine art solo exhibition has shown me how creative, flexible, and passionate about her craft she is. I was familiar with her breath-taking mural work, so it's been exciting to watch Krista flex her fine arts muscles. Patchwork is The Hudgens Center's first attempt to make our visual arts exhibitions accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired, and Krista has been instrumental in this process.”


To learn more about what inspires Krista M. Jones or this new body of work contact jonesyartatl@gmail.com or visit her website at jonesyartatl.com. The artist will be present at the Public Opening reception on Saturday, May 6th from 2-4pm to greet attendees. Exhibition will run from May 6 through July 22 in the Fowler Gallery located at 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Bldg. 300, Duluth, GA 30097. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm.



The Hudgens Center For Art & Learning

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy, Bldg #300

Duluth, GA 30097

770-623-6002

HOURS: Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm


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