Michael O’Brien Gallery Phoenix:
Connecting the Arts
Current Exhibitions
Rebecca Robinson (April 1st –April 28th)
Title of Exhibition: Urban Valentine
As a mixed media artist, I have discovered that the context of my artwork is mostly inspired by love. When I create, I dig deep within my inner feelings of what love exemplifies. I listen to music that moves me and allows me to tap into the part of my imagination that is filled with romance, passion, and fascination with true connection. I was born on Valentine’s Day and I have always made an intentional effort to spread love, kindness, and empathy, especially to those who are near to my heart. My artwork serves as a testament to love in all its diverse forms, catering to those who seek a different expression of affection. I represent the Urban Valentine, and my artwork is a visual celebration of love for the rest of us.
Opening Reception
Date: April 5th
Time: 5:00-7:00pm
Upcoming Exhibitions
Alec Ganesha (May 1st- May 28th)
Alec Ganesha, a self-taught, first-generation American artist, has seamlessly woven the threads of his life into a tapestry of resilience and creativity. Art, a steadfast companion through the challenges of his early years, emerged as both a lifeline and a sanctuary, providing purpose and vitality during a demanding childhood that required him to mature prematurely.
The profound impact of art on Alec's existence unfolded when he confronted the heart-wrenching loss of his mother at the tender age of 22. In the face of profound grief, art proved to be his unwavering anchor, a guiding force that kept him grounded amidst the tumultuous seas of uncertainty.
In 2015, Alec embarked on a transformative journey, choosing to forge a career as a professional artist. His mission transcends the mere strokes of a brush; it is a poignant tribute to his mother, where each canvas becomes a vessel for infusing her spirit. Elephants, symbolic and majestic, grace his works, embodying the cherished aspects of her life.
Every stroke of Alec's brush is a revelation, a continuous exploration of self-discovery and an unearthing of the intricate duality inherent in his life's experiences. His art is not just a visual feast but a profound narrative, a testament to resilience, loss, and the triumph of the human spirit.
If Alec could distill his artistic philosophy into a single message for the world, it would resound with a call to radiate positive energy even in the face of adversity. Through his art, he invites viewers to witness the alchemy of transforming pain into beauty, adversity into triumph, and darkness into the radiant glow of positivity.
Opening Reception
Date: May 5th
Time: 5:00-9:00pm
Boxx The Artist synthesizes expressionistic portraiture through acrylics, digital, and public art that examines the African Diaspora providing cultural images that honor a marginalized community and expresses her love for Blackness. She is an Indianapolis based full-time, visual artist practicing for 6 years, from Gary, Indiana. Boxx has featured work in the Black Creativity Juried 2022 and 2023 Exhibit (Chicago Museum of Science and Industry), and the 26th African American Art Exhibition (Roanna H. Victor Gallery at Actors Theatre of Louisville), and honored as 2023 Hoosier Women Artist by the Indiana Lt. Governor. She has served in various residencies, fellowships, apprenticeships, and mural installations notably installing a 5-story civic mural for the City of Indianapolis, a permanent mural installation in the Indiana State Museum, as well as a mural for the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibit at Conner Prairie: Living History Museum. Her work has been featured in the Indianapolis Airport, as well as several media publications such as Fox59, WishTV, WRTV, Indystar, Nuvo, Indianapolis Recorder and more. Connect with Boxx The Artist on social media, @boxxtheartist on all platforms.
Opening Reception
Date: June 7th
Time: 5:00-9:00pm
BOXXTHEARTIST (June 3-30th)
"Mindscapes: Nurturing Mental Health Through Artistic Expression" (July)
Michael O'Brien Gallery in collaboration with The Era and Underground Sound
Title : "Mindscapes: Nurturing Mental Health Through Artistic Expression"
"Mindscapes" explores the intricate relationship between mental health and artistic creation, inviting artists to delve into the depths of their psyche and use their creative expressions as tools for healing and growth. This theme encourages artists to reflect on their own experiences with mental health and explore how the act of creating art can serve as a form of therapy, self-discovery, and resilience.
Artists are encouraged to interpret the theme in their unique styles and mediums, whether through abstract explorations of emotions, figurative representations of personal struggles and triumphs, or conceptual reflections on the journey towards mental well-being. The show aims to foster dialogue and understanding surrounding mental health issues while celebrating the transformative power of art.
By showcasing works that illuminate the interconnectedness of mental health and artistic practice, "Mindscapes" seeks to inspire viewers to reflect on their own mental well-being and recognize the importance of nurturing one's mental health through creativity and self-expression.