Artist pays tribute to mother figure in latest Artists' Collective of Hyde Park Gallery
We are all impacted by people throughout our childhood who shape us into who we are today. Reflecting on those who inspired us, educated us, and loved us can bring a wide range of emotions. We choose to honor those individuals' impact in many different ways. Raimundo Gaby Jr. has created a collection of work, "Yorubaland: The Africa in Me," inspired by a friend and mother figure, Jane Neves, that is on view now at the Artists' Collective of Hyde Park Gallery.
Founded in 2012, the Artists' Collective of Hyde Park is a welcoming group that offers year-round art and music experiences. Eighteen member artists that range from painters, sculptors, photographers and mixed-media artists, rotate throughout the gallery to bring new works and perspectives to our community. Gaby joined the collective in 2019 and is the featured artist for July with his paintings that capture viewer's attention with his technique, colors, composition and cultural references.
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Neves worked all her life for the betterment of her community and for the recognition of the African legacy in Gaby's native country, Brazil. "The show is my way to honor her warrior's journey, the impact she made in mine, and many others' lives," Gaby reflects.
Gaby's largest work in the show, "Calabar Carnival," (48" x 48" acrylic paint on canvas), is inspired by Brazil's Carnival. This piece is divided in black and white and yet connected by vibrant colors swirling throughout the canvas. Three dimensional flowers are placed throughout the work almost as if they are fireworks. This piece brings the interconnectedness of society and the celebration to be free to express who you are through the fluidity of paint and the richness of tones.
"Yansan Yoruba Goddness of the Wind," (12" x 12" acrylic on wood panel) depicts the silhouette of a woman from the waist up in African dress. Gaby reflects that Neves, no matter how intense the weather was, would always honor her country in the way she dressed. The silhouette, centered in the work, stands out amongst the fluid background, which has earth tones swirling like the wind. All of the elements seem to be streaming from her image while still appearing as natural elements.
The stability that Gaby found from his culture with Neves can be seen in "The Strength that Never Dries Up," (also 12" x 12" acrylic on wood panel). This work has four women holding and balancing objects on their heads, appearing as the epitome of resilience and strength. Each woman in a different position, although all standing tall, emerge as pillars with the acrylic pour swirling around them giving them space and shelter.
"I need the arts to survive," Gaby states. "Art serves as a catalyst for reflection of my own life's journey. It pushes me to reconnect with my origins, and serves as an agent for imagination and new possibilities, and for possible transformations."
If you go:
What: "Yorubaland: The Africa in Me"
Where: Artists' Collective of Hyde Park, 4338 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park
When: Open through July 31
Hours: Friday through Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. or by appointment
Contact: 845-366-6856; artistscollectiveofhydepark.com.
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas is the director of development and marketing for Arts Mid-Hudson. Art From Here appears every other week Sunday. Contact her at 845-454-3222 or melissa@artsmidhudson.org.
This article originally appeared on Poughkeepsie Journal: Artist pays tribute to mother figure in Hyde Park gallery show
