‘Autumn Grasses’ will be among the work featured by Akron artist Greta Ramey at the 22 High Street Gallery through April 25.
22 High Street Gallery, attached to Uncorked Wine Bar in downtown Akron, is showcasing a group exhibition, “We Are All Nature,” by local female artists Greta Ramey and Haley Litzinger. An opening reception coincided with the Akron Artwalk, and the exhibit will be on view until April 25.
Ramey is a figurative and portrait artist out of Akron who finds inspiration from Renaissance painters including Rembrandt, Vermeer and Caravaggio and contemporary symbolist painters such as Frida Kahlo, Kiki Smith and Francesca Woodman. She combines the use of high contrast lighting, traditional oil painting techniques and personal symbolism to create her artwork.
Her current body of work explores the connectivity between the figure and nature. She captures this by rendering the figure in a natural setting (like a field or the shore of Lake Erie) or by portraying the figure as a shaman character. Through the use of this symbolism she is attempting to describe the connectivity between all living things.
‘Redwood Forest,’ by Haley Litzinger, is part of the group exhibit ‘We Are Nature,’ at 22 High Street Gallery, which celebrates feminine landscapes and portraits.
“I am attempting to describe the connectivity of all things in the natural world whether it be a tree, a plant, a stone, a bird or even air,” said Ramey. “We are all made of the same building blocks. We are all Nature.”
Haley Litzinger was born and raised in the historical town of Peninsula. The entire area, as she describes it, is haunted by remnants of the industrial and agricultural revolution. This is where she believes her fascination with mysterious landscapes originated.
She creates her pieces with remnants of vintage books, magazines and drawn or painted images; They are collaged and layered in aerosol paint, oil pastels and ink, acrylic and watercolor. She received her bachelor’s degree at Kent State University with a concentration in drawing and printmaking. She has held group and solo exhibitions throughout the Northeastern US.
“I am focused on the exploration of materials and texture when creating collaged landscapes,” said Litzinger. “I intend for my pieces to absorb the viewer into the environment.”
The gallery is located at 22 High St., attached to the Uncorked Wine Bar. The show runs through April 25. Visit the gallery’s Facebook page for info.
