Sun Valley Idaho

Gilman Contemporary Presents, Illuminated Silence - A Still Life in Motion. In this exhibition, artist Jason Wheatley creates meticulously detailed still life paintings, drawing inspiration from the techniques and traditions of the Old Masters. Through familiar archetypes, he constructs scenes that invite the viewer to pause and engage with subtle nuances, revealing a dynamic interplay between elements and encouraging exploration of the deeper meanings behind their apparent stillness. Wheatley’s work points to the connection between nature and artistic expression, both communicating through a mystical language of silence. A monkey clutching fruit symbolizes the trickster's role in the balance of chaos and order. A heron acts as a guardian between realms, and goldfish swim in surreal spaces, challenging perception. Wheatley's art is detailed yet open to interpretation, revealing layers that evolve over time.

Frances McCormack’s lush botanical abstractions reflect a freedom of expression honed over years of artistic practice. In 2019, she turned her focus to collage, enabling her to work on a smaller, more intimate scale. This shift required her to slow down and embrace the art of patience, meticulously selecting details from drawings, photographs, and instruction manuals. These smaller-scale works retain the energy of her large paintings, interpreting the natural world through a lens of the marvelous. McCormack's images unfold organically, echoing the structure and stillness of the walled gardens and contemplative spaces that inspire her during travels to Italy, Spain, Turkey, Mexico, and her native California. Like these natural havens, her collages offer thoughtful respite, places where the noise of daily life gives way to a quiet sanctuary of calm and creativity.