An opening reception will be held tonight, Friday, January 13, 2023, to mark the opening of Amid/In WNY, an ongoing series of group exhibitions featuring regional artists.
Featured in this year’s show is Shanel Kerekes, a 2019 graduate of Villa Maria’s Integrated Arts program.
Kerekes is a passionate painter, inspired by the work of contemporary artist Kiki Smith and surrealist painter Salvador Dali. Photorealism is the style that she continuously aspires to achieve in her work. Kerekes was exposed to a culturally diverse environment early in life, which later instilled a fascination towards individuality, pre-established societal standards, and the ever-changing dynamic between the two. These interests have influenced the desire to create her work.
Kerekes uses the tribulations that women are commonly confronted with and attempts to build a visual representation of the many obstacles women may face within their lifetime which can include objectification, sexualization, and exploitation.
Also involved in this year’s Amid/In WNY is Kyle Butler, assistant professor of fine arts, who is serving as a curator.
The exhibit takes place at Hallwalls, located at 341 Delaware Avenue in Buffalo, and is open through February 24. For gallery hours and more information, visit https://www.hallwalls.org/visual/6295.html.
