JM Park, How to Preserve Memories of Everyday, Coffee Drinking, Printing & drawing on coffee filters

(LEONIA, NJ) -- Gallery Episode presents the group exhibition titled, "Multi-Layered" from February 12-29, 2024. This is an exhibition that prompts the viewer to reconsider the artwork as its own multi-layered individual. When the viewer sees a work of art, whether it be in a museum, a gallery, or even a studio, they only see what is placed in front of them – they can only view the work at that particular stage at that particular moment in time. But behind that “top layer” of which is visible, there are layers and layers of material, philosophies, experiences, research, and more.

The physical work may not be immediately obvious to the viewer, but the hours of work (whether physically or emotionally) from the artist still exists without a doubt. Then come the questions: What do artists choose to conceal and reveal to the viewer? Is it the artist’s responsibility to reveal what is at the core of their work? How do the various layers work together to create the final piece?

“Multi-Layered” features the following eight artists from the local New Jersey area: Andrea della Cava, Harriet Finck, Jaea Jung, JM Park, Namsook Olivia Kwon, Rachel Pruzan, Susanna Bergtold, and Tina Chow Rudolf.

Namsook Olivia Kwon, God Makes a Way in the Wilderness, Mixed media

With her work rooted in Christianity, Namsook Olivia Kwon considers herself a pilgrim of creating God’s masterpiece through layers of mixed media. Inspired by her inner world and driven by curiosity, Rachel Pruzan’s work comes from exploring the interplay of mediums, materials, and elements like fire and water. Susanna Bergtold reveals various figures through her relief wood carvings.  Using various mediums and textures, Tina Chow Rudolf’s paintings serve as a conduit of harmony, discord, transcendence, and integrity.

Driven by her interest in the dichotomy of organization and disorder in nature, Andrea della Cava process driven work attempts to balance color, form, line and texture through a variety of techniques that involve drawing, painting, collage, sewing/beading and wax resist. Harriet Flick’s paintings feature the world at a microscopic level: through cells and particles. Jaea Jung creates graphic imagery often featuring persimmons. JM Park’s work captures moments of the everyday mundanity of life as pockets of memories.

"Multi-Layered" will open on Monday, February 12th, 2024, with an opening reception on Saturday, February 17th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. The artists will be in attendance and light refreshments will be served.

Gallery Episode is located at 330 Broad Avenue in Leonia, New Jersey. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00am-6:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am-5:00pm.

Rachel Pruzan, Departure, Alcohol ink, oil paint, cold wax, fire on cradled wood panel