Current Exhibition
Descendants
July 11th - September 7th
Guest Curator: Connie Pieper
OPENING RECEPTION: JULY 12 from 6 - 9 PM
Kaiser Gallery proudly presents "Descendants," a group exhibition co-curated by Connie Piper and Tanya Kaiser. This exhibition delves into the intricate heritage of our community members, showcasing artworks that reflect personal narratives, family stories, cultural roots, and more. "Descendants" celebrates the rich diversity and unique personal journeys that form the fabric of our community. Presenting the works of Asia Armour, Christopher Boring, Janoi Daley, Jaclyn Gordyan, Tanya Kaiser, Judi Krew, Eric Macalla, Connie Pieper, Gwen Putz, Jordi Rowe, Edlisa Santiago, Samantha Schneider, Jane Small, Fatima Taylor, and Mimi Zhang.
Join us for the opening reception on July 12 from 6 - 9 PM. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
July 11th - September 7th
Guest Curator: Connie Pieper
OPENING RECEPTION: JULY 12 from 6 - 9 PM
Kaiser Gallery proudly presents "Descendants," a group exhibition co-curated by Connie Piper and Tanya Kaiser. This exhibition delves into the intricate heritage of our community members, showcasing artworks that reflect personal narratives, family stories, cultural roots, and more. "Descendants" celebrates the rich diversity and unique personal journeys that form the fabric of our community. Presenting the works of Asia Armour, Christopher Boring, Janoi Daley, Jaclyn Gordyan, Tanya Kaiser, Judi Krew, Eric Macalla, Connie Pieper, Gwen Putz, Jordi Rowe, Edlisa Santiago, Samantha Schneider, Jane Small, Fatima Taylor, and Mimi Zhang.
Join us for the opening reception on July 12 from 6 - 9 PM. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Asia Armour
Cleveland-based artist working primarily in photography and mixed-media collage art. I went to college for film and photography at Tri-C and Cleveland State University. I decided to take my love for photography and make it art and in that art, started collaging. I have shown at galleries like Deep Roots Experience, and Worthington Yards, and have work placed at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. I have done public art projects with Fresh Fest Cleveland and The Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Most of my work includes foliage, flowers, or leaves. Collaging pictures and telling stories against beds of flowers and plants in my collages are a large part of my body of work.
I love working in bright colors like pink, yellows, and orange. I use flowers to symbolize the continual growth that we should all feel as we matriculate through life. I want people to feel happy when they see my work. The goal of my work is to give flowers to the people, things, places, and ideas that helped shape me as a creative and tell my stories. Art Amour Studio is my creative space where I do photography and art projects. Art Amour Studio is an artisan lifestyle brand and photography studio.
Artist Statement: I am a mixed-media collage artist and photographer. My art is a fusion of storytelling and visual poetry, and I am particularly captivated by the intricate narratives that unfold within the beauty of flowers. Flowers are more than just botanical wonders to me; they are vessels of meaning and symbolism. In my mixed media collage work, I utilize flowers as both subject and backdrop, creating rich tapestries where stories come to life amidst a riot of colors and textures. I am drawn to the ephemeral nature of flowers, their transient beauty mirroring the fleeting moments of human existence. Through my collages, I seek to capture the essence of this fleeting beauty, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a symphony of emotions and sensations. Every petal, stem, and fleeting moment frozen in time holds significance in my artistic expression. My artwork serves as a vessel for exploring the depths of the human experience, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of introspection and discovery, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur and the stories of the soul unfold on beds of beautiful flowers. Each piece is a visual poem, evoking many emotions - from joy to melancholy, nostalgia to hope - and inviting viewers to explore the depths of the human experience.
"Don't Forget Me: "Don't Forget Me" is a mixed media collage that reflects on themes of memory, identity, and the value we place on remembrance. The central figure, a man with his back turned, symbolizes the often-overlooked stories and experiences that fade into the background of our lives. Surrounding him, a floral motif of 'Forget-me-nots' serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate nature of memory and the desire to be remembered. The frame of five-dollar bills juxtaposes the personal with the material, questioning how we quantify worth and the sometimes transactional nature of attention and memory in our society. This piece invites viewers to consider what and who they choose to remember and the silent narratives that deserve recognition.
"Running Away Is Easy, It's the Living that's Hard"** In "Running Away Is Easy, It's the Living that's Hard," I merge photography, collage, and floral motifs to explore the tension between escapism and the resilience required to face life's challenges. The backdrop of vibrant blue flowers against a glowing moon symbolizes dreams and desires, while the black and white figures in motion represent the impulse to flee from difficulties. The flowers in the foreground, rooted in the earth, depict the grounded reality and growth that come from enduring hardships. This piece invites viewers to contemplate their own struggles and the strength found in confronting rather than evading life's complexities.
Christopher Boring
Born and raised just outside Pittsburgh, Christopher received his BFA at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2012. He has a studio at Radiant Hall in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Homewood. He is primarily a painter but enjoys creating with any material at hand. His artwork explores mundane moments in life. The art depicts still life and landscape imagery with the intent to draw the viewer to individual moments in their life or to contemplate the complete breath of their life span.
Artist Statement: This painting is a visual representation of growing up in a low-income family. The darker cool colored background represents the mental stasis of growing up that way. In a lot of ways, as a kid, I hid the knowledge that my family didn’t have a lot of money. It made me feel weak, defensive, or less deserving of things in my life because of that situation. In the image I have the three paper planes flying up the stairs towards a brighter direction. These paper planes help represent my hard work both physically and mentally of rising out of that situation and mindset. They are there to connect with the viewer and remind them that no matter there struggles there are brighter times ahead.
Janoi Daley
Janoi Daley is a figurative and abstract artist living and working in Cleveland, Ohio. Daley is completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting/ Creative Writing at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Her figurative/abstract paintings explore concepts of Love and Blackness using exaggerated colors that illuminate an unnerving presence. Working mainly in oil and acrylic mediums, Daley sets up environments in which Black representation can exist without the implications attributed to Blackness as a cause of American society. Daley is a recipient of the CIA Gund Family Scholarship and Joseph McCullough 48’ Scholarship. Recently Daley held the title committee chair for the Student Independent Exhibition 78 through which SIE hosted the following artists to jury the show: Bianca Fields, Ali Hval, Haley Josephs, and Denis Sarazhyn. Through the Creativity Works internship program Daley had two solo shows at Cleveland Institute of Art and Karamu House in Cleveland, OH.
Artist Statement: An ineffable nuance, my work is a representation of being both Black and a Woman. Unpacking the phenomenon that is Blackness and operating from multiple worldviews, my work reflects and compares my experiences in different realms. The fluorescent pink environments in my paintings evoke a sense of disquiet, inviting viewers to explore a realm where reality intersects with speculative fiction. The paintings themselves are seductive and enticing, unapologetically grabbing the viewer's attention through bold, attractive colors and shiny substrates. With this grip, the viewers are confronted by Blackness in relation to themselves. Embedded within the work is Caribbean culture, specifically Jamaica. I have found myself constantly questioning how Blackness is understood in predominantly white spaces upon entering American society. The environment in which my work operates generates an otherworldly, unnerving feeling. The presentation of the body along with expressive, abstract moments causes speculative fiction to emerge, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers… The paintings are held to a time and space that allows them to stand in their own dimension. Existing simultaneously, but separate to ours. Always happening and responding to our own time and space. I am depicting environments out of need reflecting on my experience and creating room for dense emotions, and stark confrontations. Simply a space for Blackness to exist. The burning desire to produce a new way of thinking about reality carries my work forward; how systematic oppression and microaggressions reinforce this inclination for liberation from implications added to the Black body. My work is not just this or that, it is an “and”. The work code switches and speaks in different languages at times connecting themes of religion, mortality, identity, colonialism, otherness, and love. The purpose of life is to love.
Jaclyn Gordyan
Jaclyn Gordyan (b. 1983, Cleveland, Ohio) is a contemporary abstract artist. She now lives and works in the woods of Michigan and has exhibited her work all over the United States. Gordyan has won international honors, such as being a finalist in a 2023 Emerging Female Artist award and an artist in residence of the Pouch Cove Foundation. She earned a BFA and has been an artist for nearly 25 years. Throughout her career, she has shown her work in New York, LA, Chicago, and the Midwest. She's worked in a variety of mediums, including oils, acrylics, ceramics, raku, woven textures, gouache, graphite, and photography. Her work has evolved, starting with realism and expanding to abstract, organic, and sculptural. As a nature artist, Gordyan's work gives back to its source. Through her partnership with the non-profit OneTreePlanted, she supports global reforestation. Their efforts and tree planting keep our earth's natural diversity intact and support the ecosystems and wildlife within them for generations.
Statement: In my work on the "Descendants" show, I focus on our shared human biological heritage—emotions. Many emotions are labeled as 'bad' or culturally downplayed, leading to shame for experiencing them. While the specifics of each piece reflect my personal journey, the main idea is to put on display and reframe these commonly experienced 'bad' emotions. I aim to show that they are valuable to us individually and as a community. They are worthy of discussion as they build a deeper understanding of each other.
Tanya Kaiser
Tanya Kaiser is a visual artist specializing in ceramic sculpture, whose work explores the cultural silencing of women's suffering due to societal stigma associated with the female form. By confronting these issues, she aims to use her pieces as a catalyst for discussions on women's roles, health, and bodily autonomy. Tanya earned her MFA in Studio Art from Stony Brook University in 2017 and was honored as the Goldberger Fellow for excellence in art in 2016. Her artwork, spanning both 2D and 3D forms, has been exhibited internationally.
Statement: As a visual artist, mother, and woman, I delve into the multifaceted theme of womanhood through my artwork, with a particular focus on topics traditionally associated with femininity. My work is recognized for its bold feminist perspective and its open inquiry into female identity. I critically engage with current societal issues such as religion and politics, drawing upon personal experiences from my upbringing in the Catholic Church and my Latina heritage.
A recurring theme in my work is the examination of women's roles and the societal pressures that shape and limit these roles. I explore the generational expectations placed on women within the home and society at large. In "Untitled," a porcelain sculpture of a woman's head in muted colors is mounted on the wall, reminiscent of a trophy stag. This powerful image symbolizes how women are often coveted yet not truly cherished or seen as equals. It also delves into the unseen violences and traumas that occur behind closed doors. The clean presentation of the trophy head contrasts with the erased body, highlighting the hidden history of violence.
Through my art, I aim to provoke thought and dialogue about the complexities of female identity and the enduring struggle for equality. My work serves as both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on the societal structures that continue to influence women's lives.
Judi Krew
Judi Krew has been a working artist since 1982. She has a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Akron Honors Program and MA in Art Education from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art. Over the years, Judi has worked in visual merchandising, museum education, as a high school art teacher and a dedicated community volunteer all while maintaining an active studio and exhibition career. She has worked in different media over time, producing several very successful bodies of work including The Woman Series (1999-2014, acrylics); Fascinating Faces from Interesting Places (2010 – 2014, pastels); Botanicals (2014 – 2019, acrylics) and since 2011, focusing on Hoard Couture in both wearable sizes and a small scale sculptural series. Besides exhibition work, the artist has designed award winning floats for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Grand Parade, patches for the Boy Scouts of America and elaborate décor for major Canton area fundraising galas. Her work for the local community has earned her The Silver Beaver from the Buckeye Council BSA (2016), Woman of Year from the YWCA (2018), Woman of the Year Presidential Award from, the Junior League (2019), and Alumni Hall of Fame awards from both Brecksville Broadview Hts High School and the University of Akron. Her work has exhibited in over 230 juried, invitational or group shows and 31 solo exhibitions across the United States.
Artist Statement: The Daily Doodle Diary series of lunch napkin garments are a form of communication between my husband and myself. I draw something about my upcoming day and he learns about it at lunch, which gives us a place to start a dinner time conversation. For over 10 years now, these pieces have recorded our family history.
The Daily Doodle Diary series of lunch napkin garments are a form of communication between my husband and myself. I draw something about my upcoming day and he learns about it at lunch, which gives us a place to start a dinner time conversation. For over 10 years now, these pieces have recorded our family history. The Daily Doodle Diary series of lunch napkin garments are a form of communication between my husband and myself. I draw something about my upcoming day and he learns about it at lunch, which gives us a place to start a dinner time conversation. For over 10 years now, these pieces have recorded our family history. The Daily Doodle Diary series of lunch napkin garments are a form of communication between my husband and myself. I draw something about my upcoming day and he learns about it at lunch, which gives us a place to start a dinner time conversation. For over 10 years now, these pieces have recorded our family history.
Eric Tuck-Macalla
Eric Tuck-Macalla, Cleveland Institute of Art Graduate in Sculpture, Nancy Dunn Memorial Scholarship recipient 1986. Currently resides in Bay Village Ohio
Artist Statement: My work refers to the street, that’s where my inspiration for making art comes from, the people and places on the margins, part of living my faith and taking care of community. While I’m working, I’m thinking conceptually, considering how the materials and methods fit the message, how the eye and body move through the work picking up details that refer back to the whole and surroundings. I’m not thinking construction details as I work. I I were to focus on being correct, structurally sound, those concerns would become like sand in the gears. Weight, balance placement of elements flows naturally, with or without force as the message dictates. I see my work as visual and tactile poems that need to be seem, experienced, and walked through. Thank you for taking the time to consider my work.
Connie Pieper
Connie Pieper is a resident of Cleveland Ohio and a current student at the Cleveland Institute of Art, seeking her BFA after working as a practicing Neurologist. As an emerging artist, she has exhibited her work at the Cleveland Institute of Art 2023 Student Independent Exhibition and was awarded both The Nunes Family Prize and a Board Honorable Mention for her painting “Left Home”. In 2024, she was awarded Intern of the Year for her work with Kaiser Gallery. Her work explores the tension in self identity and life change, drawing upon her experiences as a Chinese American growing up in the suburbs of Maryland and her helping with the many personal struggles she has touched upon in her career as a physician. She explores the challenges of entwining disparate backgrounds, and the difficulties of leaving the comfort of familiarity and set expectations to enact positive change and self empowerment.
Artist Statement: In this piece I find empowerment in reclaiming the tale of Medusa. I utilize this tale and entwine it with my Asian heritage to reframe my sense of identity from the expectations of others to my intentional choices in life. In the myth of Medusa, Medusa was cast as a being subject to higher powers leading to her transformation into a monstrous form then to her death for her power of petrification. Freedom is only gained in the transformation of her tears into winged horses. In my journey, the traditional Chinese dress undergoes destruction and bejeweled wrought jewelry springs from its ruins. The floral motif in the background is a nod to Chinese Floral patterns, representative of my heritage and traditional expectations.
Gwen Putz
Gwen Putz is a Printmaking artist from Sagamore Hills, Ohio pursuing a BFA degree in Printmaking from the Cleveland Institute of Art. She will graduate in 2025. Gwen Putz’s work focuses on and explores aspects of memory, archive, and familial and cultural histories. Using the Finnish immigrant women within her family to draw inspiration, she works mainly in the complex processes of printmaking like etching and lithography. Her work has been in several group showings at the Cleveland Institute of Art and she has participated in a large scale woodcut project in conjunction with Big INK Collaborative Prints. This collaborative project was exhibited at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio and the West Woods Nature Center in Novelty, Ohio. Gwen Putz is also currently participating in the Creativity Works Internship Program at the Cleveland Institute of Art to produce artworks inspired and aided by the Finnish Heritage Museum in Fairport, Ohio.
Statement: My Mummi, grandmother, Raila Mäntysalo never knew what “home” felt like when she was growing up. Karelia, where she was born and where my family resided prior to the 1940’s, was a country nestled between Finland and Northwestern Russia. This country’s land was split between the two after Finland was attacked by the Soviet Union.
Despite my family's experience of war in 1940's Karelia, we have been able to hold on to our memories and stories. Though home became a painful, nonexistent place we have preserved the memory of it by passing down stories and photographs. We have remembered the women of our family as especially strong in the face of overwhelming adversity. We call this determination Sisu.
Though I will never truly understand the weight of their situation, their sacrifices and stories are something that I will always carry with me. How do I connect with something we’ve lost? How do I acknowledge pain while honoring memory? How do I find a place within this story? How do we react when we see these events repeat themselves again and again?
Jodi Rowe
Jordi Rowe is a painter, pathologist, and mother who spends her time between parenting, practicing medicine and art. Her work primarily focuses on light, sky and water, creating spaces focusing on the sublime. Throughout her work, she often integrates elements of growing up in the Canadian Rockies and Big Sky Country. She is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, where she majored in painting. Her work has been exhibited in the CAN Triennial in Cleveland, Ohio, and in solo exhibitions at Waterloo Arts Gallery, the Cleveland Institute of Art, the Valley Art Center in Chagrin Falls, and Studio M at the Massillon Museum.
Statement: Two women, who have since passed, influenced me greatly as a person regarding my sense of belonging, and my understanding of family. From my mother and paternal grandmother, I bake unforgettable sugar cookies for one holiday and I create everlasting easter eggs for another. These women and their traditions survive through holidays, through everydays and through me. For my part, I pass them on, not only to my family but also to friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers so that their traditions and my memories become collective memories and shall be perpetuated infinitely and never be forgotten.
Edlisa Santiago
I'm Edlisa Santiago, a queer, Puerto Rican artist based in Kent, OH. I received my BA in Studio Art with a minor in psychology from Kent State University. My goal is to work as an Art therapist for at-risk youth.
Statement (Pieced Together): This portrait portrays my mother and me. She left when I was young, leaving me to piece together our shattered memories. I navigated through the abuse and neglect, trying to erase the wounds she left, only to realize that she will always be a part of my story. This piece depicts me making peace with this painful truth.
Statement (Attached): My parents always said my brother and I had an instant connection. On the day he was born, I was eager to hold him. Looking back, I see that the young girl reaching out to her brother longed for someone to face the challenges of the difficult childhood they soon shared. Someone to never leave her side, unlike everyone else who eventually did. Someone who would understand
her trauma, since it was theirs as well. I am forever grateful to have had my brother with me through it all.
Samantha Schneider
In my large-scale oil paintings, I embark on a visual exploration of the intricacies of human emotions and the unique essence of individuality. Through the intimate lens of self-portraiture, I delve into the depths of the human experience, capturing the essence of emotions that often linger beneath the surface. My artistic journey is a relentless pursuit of authenticity and self-discovery, with each brushstroke serving as a pathway to understanding the complexity of my own emotions and the universal threads that connect us all. The canvas becomes a mirror, reflecting the myriad facets of the human soul, laid bare for the viewer to witness. Working primarily in the medium of oil allows me to create rich, layered textures that mirror the intricate layers of our emotional landscapes. The fluidity of the medium enables me to blend and shape emotions, bringing forth a visual narrative that transcends words. The scale of my paintings is deliberate, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the raw and unfiltered emotions portrayed, fostering a sense of connection and shared humanity.
As I navigate the realms of self-portraiture, I am not merely capturing a likeness but aiming to encapsulate the essence of individuality. Each brushstroke is a celebration of the unique amalgamation of experiences, memories, and dreams that make each person a singular work of art. Through my self-portraits, I seek to unravel the layers of identity, inviting viewers to contemplate their own sense of self and the stories etched into their beings. In this visual odyssey, I am inspired by the nuances of light and shadow, color and form, to create a symbiotic relationship between the external and internal worlds. The interplay of these elements amplifies the emotional resonance of my work, providing a multidimensional experience that goes beyond the surface. My art is an ongoing dialogue between the tangible and intangible, the seen and unseen. Through my large-scale oil paintings, I invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to explore the vast spectrum of emotions, and to embrace the beauty found in individuality.
Jane Small
Jane Small, a photographer based in Shaker Heights, Ohio, holds a BA in Journalism from Indiana University and has furthered her education at the Indianapolis Art Center and the Cleveland Institute of Art. Over the years, she has showcased her work in numerous prestigious exhibitions, including the Indianapolis Art Center's Juried Student Group Show in 2002 and Divisional Award Winners Show in 2004, as well as the Cleveland Print Room's Juried Group Show in 2018 and 2019. Her work was also featured in the Cleveland Photo Fest's “PHOTOTHON” Juried Group Show in 2020 and the Fairmount Center for the Arts' Juried Group Shows in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Jane's talent and dedication to photography have earned her several accolades, including the Best of Intermediate Division award at the Indianapolis Art Center in 2004, the Jurist’s Award at the Cleveland Print Room Peer Show in 2018, and an Honorable Mention at the Cleveland Photo Fest's PHOTOTHON for “Furtography” and “Dear Diary” in 2021.
Statement: “Fairy Tales: A Floral Fantasy” is my artistic take on the alchemy of centuries-old fairy tales and the haunting beauty of flowers from the natural world. The photo series grew out of a childhood memory of my mother creating a doll for me out of the blooms of a Hollyhock plant (just as her own mother did for her…and just like I did for my own two daughters when they were little girls). The doll’s gown was the layered pink petals of the flower, and the doll’s fancy headpiece was an unopened bud. It was Cinderella going to the ball, and to me, it was magic. Today, I’ve attempted to recreate that magic by depicting flowers as I’ve imagined them in various fairy tale settings. I love that family stories, like mine, pass from one generation to the next, much like traditional fairy tales.
Fatima Taylor
My work explores the complexity of human connections and the deep significance of emotions in our lives. I am captivated by the vulnerability fundamental in relationships, and through my art, I strive to examine the essence of humanity itself. Drawing from my background in academic figure painting and drawing, I have always found the human form to be a powerful medium for expressing emotion. Yet, my work extends beyond mere portraiture; it is a testament to the lived experiences and shared moments that define our connections with others. Recently, my artistic search has taken a deeply personal turn, influenced by my own encounters with trauma and oppression, particularly during my upbringing in the former Soviet Union. Central to my recent work is an exploration of control and power dynamics. I am interested in dissecting the roots of authority and the role of fear. My art serves as a mirror to society, prompting viewers to confront the parallels between historical injustices and contemporary challenges. In essence, my work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. By confronting the shadows of the past, I aim to inspire dialogue and reflection, igniting hope for a more just and empathetic future.
Mimi Zhang
Mimi Zhang is a rising fifth year at Tufts University/SMFA, based in both Cleveland and Boston. While primarily a painter, their work is increasingly interdisciplinary.
Artist Statement: While primarily a painter, Mimi Zhang’s current work explores the facets of painting, woodworking, and metals as a way to collage together ephemeral thoughts and brooding monologues surrounding themes of heritage, culture, and identity. Mimi creates a cohesive dialogue focusing on intergenerational storytelling that encourages the viewer to reflect on their own inherited histories. Using all three mediums allows for transition between the 2D and the 3D, creating unique and sensory avenues into narrative. Their work utilizes lived experiences of family, elders, and friends for the purpose of biomythography, which is the combination of myth, history, and biography into one epic narrative. By combining the fantastical with slices of life, they maintain playful elements in their work while still addressing the bitter realities of dysphoria, otherness, and intergenerational trauma. Through their work, they highlight things often hidden in everyday life: the forms of mobility in one’s life, those forgotten and marginalized, and how niches of community and families can overturn false or stereotyped perceptions of reality. To bring life to a sequential moving narrative, Mimi relies on abstract expressionist techniques, with a focus on gesture, texture, and color.
Cleveland-based artist working primarily in photography and mixed-media collage art. I went to college for film and photography at Tri-C and Cleveland State University. I decided to take my love for photography and make it art and in that art, started collaging. I have shown at galleries like Deep Roots Experience, and Worthington Yards, and have work placed at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. I have done public art projects with Fresh Fest Cleveland and The Cleveland Botanical Gardens. Most of my work includes foliage, flowers, or leaves. Collaging pictures and telling stories against beds of flowers and plants in my collages are a large part of my body of work.
I love working in bright colors like pink, yellows, and orange. I use flowers to symbolize the continual growth that we should all feel as we matriculate through life. I want people to feel happy when they see my work. The goal of my work is to give flowers to the people, things, places, and ideas that helped shape me as a creative and tell my stories. Art Amour Studio is my creative space where I do photography and art projects. Art Amour Studio is an artisan lifestyle brand and photography studio.
Artist Statement: I am a mixed-media collage artist and photographer. My art is a fusion of storytelling and visual poetry, and I am particularly captivated by the intricate narratives that unfold within the beauty of flowers. Flowers are more than just botanical wonders to me; they are vessels of meaning and symbolism. In my mixed media collage work, I utilize flowers as both subject and backdrop, creating rich tapestries where stories come to life amidst a riot of colors and textures. I am drawn to the ephemeral nature of flowers, their transient beauty mirroring the fleeting moments of human existence. Through my collages, I seek to capture the essence of this fleeting beauty, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in a symphony of emotions and sensations. Every petal, stem, and fleeting moment frozen in time holds significance in my artistic expression. My artwork serves as a vessel for exploring the depths of the human experience, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of introspection and discovery, where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur and the stories of the soul unfold on beds of beautiful flowers. Each piece is a visual poem, evoking many emotions - from joy to melancholy, nostalgia to hope - and inviting viewers to explore the depths of the human experience.
"Don't Forget Me: "Don't Forget Me" is a mixed media collage that reflects on themes of memory, identity, and the value we place on remembrance. The central figure, a man with his back turned, symbolizes the often-overlooked stories and experiences that fade into the background of our lives. Surrounding him, a floral motif of 'Forget-me-nots' serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate nature of memory and the desire to be remembered. The frame of five-dollar bills juxtaposes the personal with the material, questioning how we quantify worth and the sometimes transactional nature of attention and memory in our society. This piece invites viewers to consider what and who they choose to remember and the silent narratives that deserve recognition.
"Running Away Is Easy, It's the Living that's Hard"** In "Running Away Is Easy, It's the Living that's Hard," I merge photography, collage, and floral motifs to explore the tension between escapism and the resilience required to face life's challenges. The backdrop of vibrant blue flowers against a glowing moon symbolizes dreams and desires, while the black and white figures in motion represent the impulse to flee from difficulties. The flowers in the foreground, rooted in the earth, depict the grounded reality and growth that come from enduring hardships. This piece invites viewers to contemplate their own struggles and the strength found in confronting rather than evading life's complexities.
Christopher Boring
Born and raised just outside Pittsburgh, Christopher received his BFA at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania in 2012. He has a studio at Radiant Hall in the Pittsburgh neighborhood of Homewood. He is primarily a painter but enjoys creating with any material at hand. His artwork explores mundane moments in life. The art depicts still life and landscape imagery with the intent to draw the viewer to individual moments in their life or to contemplate the complete breath of their life span.
Artist Statement: This painting is a visual representation of growing up in a low-income family. The darker cool colored background represents the mental stasis of growing up that way. In a lot of ways, as a kid, I hid the knowledge that my family didn’t have a lot of money. It made me feel weak, defensive, or less deserving of things in my life because of that situation. In the image I have the three paper planes flying up the stairs towards a brighter direction. These paper planes help represent my hard work both physically and mentally of rising out of that situation and mindset. They are there to connect with the viewer and remind them that no matter there struggles there are brighter times ahead.
Janoi Daley
Janoi Daley is a figurative and abstract artist living and working in Cleveland, Ohio. Daley is completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting/ Creative Writing at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Her figurative/abstract paintings explore concepts of Love and Blackness using exaggerated colors that illuminate an unnerving presence. Working mainly in oil and acrylic mediums, Daley sets up environments in which Black representation can exist without the implications attributed to Blackness as a cause of American society. Daley is a recipient of the CIA Gund Family Scholarship and Joseph McCullough 48’ Scholarship. Recently Daley held the title committee chair for the Student Independent Exhibition 78 through which SIE hosted the following artists to jury the show: Bianca Fields, Ali Hval, Haley Josephs, and Denis Sarazhyn. Through the Creativity Works internship program Daley had two solo shows at Cleveland Institute of Art and Karamu House in Cleveland, OH.
Artist Statement: An ineffable nuance, my work is a representation of being both Black and a Woman. Unpacking the phenomenon that is Blackness and operating from multiple worldviews, my work reflects and compares my experiences in different realms. The fluorescent pink environments in my paintings evoke a sense of disquiet, inviting viewers to explore a realm where reality intersects with speculative fiction. The paintings themselves are seductive and enticing, unapologetically grabbing the viewer's attention through bold, attractive colors and shiny substrates. With this grip, the viewers are confronted by Blackness in relation to themselves. Embedded within the work is Caribbean culture, specifically Jamaica. I have found myself constantly questioning how Blackness is understood in predominantly white spaces upon entering American society. The environment in which my work operates generates an otherworldly, unnerving feeling. The presentation of the body along with expressive, abstract moments causes speculative fiction to emerge, leaving the viewer with more questions than answers… The paintings are held to a time and space that allows them to stand in their own dimension. Existing simultaneously, but separate to ours. Always happening and responding to our own time and space. I am depicting environments out of need reflecting on my experience and creating room for dense emotions, and stark confrontations. Simply a space for Blackness to exist. The burning desire to produce a new way of thinking about reality carries my work forward; how systematic oppression and microaggressions reinforce this inclination for liberation from implications added to the Black body. My work is not just this or that, it is an “and”. The work code switches and speaks in different languages at times connecting themes of religion, mortality, identity, colonialism, otherness, and love. The purpose of life is to love.
Jaclyn Gordyan
Jaclyn Gordyan (b. 1983, Cleveland, Ohio) is a contemporary abstract artist. She now lives and works in the woods of Michigan and has exhibited her work all over the United States. Gordyan has won international honors, such as being a finalist in a 2023 Emerging Female Artist award and an artist in residence of the Pouch Cove Foundation. She earned a BFA and has been an artist for nearly 25 years. Throughout her career, she has shown her work in New York, LA, Chicago, and the Midwest. She's worked in a variety of mediums, including oils, acrylics, ceramics, raku, woven textures, gouache, graphite, and photography. Her work has evolved, starting with realism and expanding to abstract, organic, and sculptural. As a nature artist, Gordyan's work gives back to its source. Through her partnership with the non-profit OneTreePlanted, she supports global reforestation. Their efforts and tree planting keep our earth's natural diversity intact and support the ecosystems and wildlife within them for generations.
Statement: In my work on the "Descendants" show, I focus on our shared human biological heritage—emotions. Many emotions are labeled as 'bad' or culturally downplayed, leading to shame for experiencing them. While the specifics of each piece reflect my personal journey, the main idea is to put on display and reframe these commonly experienced 'bad' emotions. I aim to show that they are valuable to us individually and as a community. They are worthy of discussion as they build a deeper understanding of each other.
Tanya Kaiser
Tanya Kaiser is a visual artist specializing in ceramic sculpture, whose work explores the cultural silencing of women's suffering due to societal stigma associated with the female form. By confronting these issues, she aims to use her pieces as a catalyst for discussions on women's roles, health, and bodily autonomy. Tanya earned her MFA in Studio Art from Stony Brook University in 2017 and was honored as the Goldberger Fellow for excellence in art in 2016. Her artwork, spanning both 2D and 3D forms, has been exhibited internationally.
Statement: As a visual artist, mother, and woman, I delve into the multifaceted theme of womanhood through my artwork, with a particular focus on topics traditionally associated with femininity. My work is recognized for its bold feminist perspective and its open inquiry into female identity. I critically engage with current societal issues such as religion and politics, drawing upon personal experiences from my upbringing in the Catholic Church and my Latina heritage.
A recurring theme in my work is the examination of women's roles and the societal pressures that shape and limit these roles. I explore the generational expectations placed on women within the home and society at large. In "Untitled," a porcelain sculpture of a woman's head in muted colors is mounted on the wall, reminiscent of a trophy stag. This powerful image symbolizes how women are often coveted yet not truly cherished or seen as equals. It also delves into the unseen violences and traumas that occur behind closed doors. The clean presentation of the trophy head contrasts with the erased body, highlighting the hidden history of violence.
Through my art, I aim to provoke thought and dialogue about the complexities of female identity and the enduring struggle for equality. My work serves as both a personal reflection and a broader commentary on the societal structures that continue to influence women's lives.
Judi Krew
Judi Krew has been a working artist since 1982. She has a BFA in Painting and Drawing from the University of Akron Honors Program and MA in Art Education from Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Art. Over the years, Judi has worked in visual merchandising, museum education, as a high school art teacher and a dedicated community volunteer all while maintaining an active studio and exhibition career. She has worked in different media over time, producing several very successful bodies of work including The Woman Series (1999-2014, acrylics); Fascinating Faces from Interesting Places (2010 – 2014, pastels); Botanicals (2014 – 2019, acrylics) and since 2011, focusing on Hoard Couture in both wearable sizes and a small scale sculptural series. Besides exhibition work, the artist has designed award winning floats for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Grand Parade, patches for the Boy Scouts of America and elaborate décor for major Canton area fundraising galas. Her work for the local community has earned her The Silver Beaver from the Buckeye Council BSA (2016), Woman of Year from the YWCA (2018), Woman of the Year Presidential Award from, the Junior League (2019), and Alumni Hall of Fame awards from both Brecksville Broadview Hts High School and the University of Akron. Her work has exhibited in over 230 juried, invitational or group shows and 31 solo exhibitions across the United States.
Artist Statement: The Daily Doodle Diary series of lunch napkin garments are a form of communication between my husband and myself. I draw something about my upcoming day and he learns about it at lunch, which gives us a place to start a dinner time conversation. For over 10 years now, these pieces have recorded our family history.
The Daily Doodle Diary series of lunch napkin garments are a form of communication between my husband and myself. I draw something about my upcoming day and he learns about it at lunch, which gives us a place to start a dinner time conversation. For over 10 years now, these pieces have recorded our family history. The Daily Doodle Diary series of lunch napkin garments are a form of communication between my husband and myself. I draw something about my upcoming day and he learns about it at lunch, which gives us a place to start a dinner time conversation. For over 10 years now, these pieces have recorded our family history. The Daily Doodle Diary series of lunch napkin garments are a form of communication between my husband and myself. I draw something about my upcoming day and he learns about it at lunch, which gives us a place to start a dinner time conversation. For over 10 years now, these pieces have recorded our family history.
Eric Tuck-Macalla
Eric Tuck-Macalla, Cleveland Institute of Art Graduate in Sculpture, Nancy Dunn Memorial Scholarship recipient 1986. Currently resides in Bay Village Ohio
Artist Statement: My work refers to the street, that’s where my inspiration for making art comes from, the people and places on the margins, part of living my faith and taking care of community. While I’m working, I’m thinking conceptually, considering how the materials and methods fit the message, how the eye and body move through the work picking up details that refer back to the whole and surroundings. I’m not thinking construction details as I work. I I were to focus on being correct, structurally sound, those concerns would become like sand in the gears. Weight, balance placement of elements flows naturally, with or without force as the message dictates. I see my work as visual and tactile poems that need to be seem, experienced, and walked through. Thank you for taking the time to consider my work.
Connie Pieper
Connie Pieper is a resident of Cleveland Ohio and a current student at the Cleveland Institute of Art, seeking her BFA after working as a practicing Neurologist. As an emerging artist, she has exhibited her work at the Cleveland Institute of Art 2023 Student Independent Exhibition and was awarded both The Nunes Family Prize and a Board Honorable Mention for her painting “Left Home”. In 2024, she was awarded Intern of the Year for her work with Kaiser Gallery. Her work explores the tension in self identity and life change, drawing upon her experiences as a Chinese American growing up in the suburbs of Maryland and her helping with the many personal struggles she has touched upon in her career as a physician. She explores the challenges of entwining disparate backgrounds, and the difficulties of leaving the comfort of familiarity and set expectations to enact positive change and self empowerment.
Artist Statement: In this piece I find empowerment in reclaiming the tale of Medusa. I utilize this tale and entwine it with my Asian heritage to reframe my sense of identity from the expectations of others to my intentional choices in life. In the myth of Medusa, Medusa was cast as a being subject to higher powers leading to her transformation into a monstrous form then to her death for her power of petrification. Freedom is only gained in the transformation of her tears into winged horses. In my journey, the traditional Chinese dress undergoes destruction and bejeweled wrought jewelry springs from its ruins. The floral motif in the background is a nod to Chinese Floral patterns, representative of my heritage and traditional expectations.
Gwen Putz
Gwen Putz is a Printmaking artist from Sagamore Hills, Ohio pursuing a BFA degree in Printmaking from the Cleveland Institute of Art. She will graduate in 2025. Gwen Putz’s work focuses on and explores aspects of memory, archive, and familial and cultural histories. Using the Finnish immigrant women within her family to draw inspiration, she works mainly in the complex processes of printmaking like etching and lithography. Her work has been in several group showings at the Cleveland Institute of Art and she has participated in a large scale woodcut project in conjunction with Big INK Collaborative Prints. This collaborative project was exhibited at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio and the West Woods Nature Center in Novelty, Ohio. Gwen Putz is also currently participating in the Creativity Works Internship Program at the Cleveland Institute of Art to produce artworks inspired and aided by the Finnish Heritage Museum in Fairport, Ohio.
Statement: My Mummi, grandmother, Raila Mäntysalo never knew what “home” felt like when she was growing up. Karelia, where she was born and where my family resided prior to the 1940’s, was a country nestled between Finland and Northwestern Russia. This country’s land was split between the two after Finland was attacked by the Soviet Union.
Despite my family's experience of war in 1940's Karelia, we have been able to hold on to our memories and stories. Though home became a painful, nonexistent place we have preserved the memory of it by passing down stories and photographs. We have remembered the women of our family as especially strong in the face of overwhelming adversity. We call this determination Sisu.
Though I will never truly understand the weight of their situation, their sacrifices and stories are something that I will always carry with me. How do I connect with something we’ve lost? How do I acknowledge pain while honoring memory? How do I find a place within this story? How do we react when we see these events repeat themselves again and again?
Jodi Rowe
Jordi Rowe is a painter, pathologist, and mother who spends her time between parenting, practicing medicine and art. Her work primarily focuses on light, sky and water, creating spaces focusing on the sublime. Throughout her work, she often integrates elements of growing up in the Canadian Rockies and Big Sky Country. She is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art, where she majored in painting. Her work has been exhibited in the CAN Triennial in Cleveland, Ohio, and in solo exhibitions at Waterloo Arts Gallery, the Cleveland Institute of Art, the Valley Art Center in Chagrin Falls, and Studio M at the Massillon Museum.
Statement: Two women, who have since passed, influenced me greatly as a person regarding my sense of belonging, and my understanding of family. From my mother and paternal grandmother, I bake unforgettable sugar cookies for one holiday and I create everlasting easter eggs for another. These women and their traditions survive through holidays, through everydays and through me. For my part, I pass them on, not only to my family but also to friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers so that their traditions and my memories become collective memories and shall be perpetuated infinitely and never be forgotten.
Edlisa Santiago
I'm Edlisa Santiago, a queer, Puerto Rican artist based in Kent, OH. I received my BA in Studio Art with a minor in psychology from Kent State University. My goal is to work as an Art therapist for at-risk youth.
Statement (Pieced Together): This portrait portrays my mother and me. She left when I was young, leaving me to piece together our shattered memories. I navigated through the abuse and neglect, trying to erase the wounds she left, only to realize that she will always be a part of my story. This piece depicts me making peace with this painful truth.
Statement (Attached): My parents always said my brother and I had an instant connection. On the day he was born, I was eager to hold him. Looking back, I see that the young girl reaching out to her brother longed for someone to face the challenges of the difficult childhood they soon shared. Someone to never leave her side, unlike everyone else who eventually did. Someone who would understand
her trauma, since it was theirs as well. I am forever grateful to have had my brother with me through it all.
Samantha Schneider
In my large-scale oil paintings, I embark on a visual exploration of the intricacies of human emotions and the unique essence of individuality. Through the intimate lens of self-portraiture, I delve into the depths of the human experience, capturing the essence of emotions that often linger beneath the surface. My artistic journey is a relentless pursuit of authenticity and self-discovery, with each brushstroke serving as a pathway to understanding the complexity of my own emotions and the universal threads that connect us all. The canvas becomes a mirror, reflecting the myriad facets of the human soul, laid bare for the viewer to witness. Working primarily in the medium of oil allows me to create rich, layered textures that mirror the intricate layers of our emotional landscapes. The fluidity of the medium enables me to blend and shape emotions, bringing forth a visual narrative that transcends words. The scale of my paintings is deliberate, inviting the viewer to immerse themselves in the raw and unfiltered emotions portrayed, fostering a sense of connection and shared humanity.
As I navigate the realms of self-portraiture, I am not merely capturing a likeness but aiming to encapsulate the essence of individuality. Each brushstroke is a celebration of the unique amalgamation of experiences, memories, and dreams that make each person a singular work of art. Through my self-portraits, I seek to unravel the layers of identity, inviting viewers to contemplate their own sense of self and the stories etched into their beings. In this visual odyssey, I am inspired by the nuances of light and shadow, color and form, to create a symbiotic relationship between the external and internal worlds. The interplay of these elements amplifies the emotional resonance of my work, providing a multidimensional experience that goes beyond the surface. My art is an ongoing dialogue between the tangible and intangible, the seen and unseen. Through my large-scale oil paintings, I invite you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, to explore the vast spectrum of emotions, and to embrace the beauty found in individuality.
Jane Small
Jane Small, a photographer based in Shaker Heights, Ohio, holds a BA in Journalism from Indiana University and has furthered her education at the Indianapolis Art Center and the Cleveland Institute of Art. Over the years, she has showcased her work in numerous prestigious exhibitions, including the Indianapolis Art Center's Juried Student Group Show in 2002 and Divisional Award Winners Show in 2004, as well as the Cleveland Print Room's Juried Group Show in 2018 and 2019. Her work was also featured in the Cleveland Photo Fest's “PHOTOTHON” Juried Group Show in 2020 and the Fairmount Center for the Arts' Juried Group Shows in 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Jane's talent and dedication to photography have earned her several accolades, including the Best of Intermediate Division award at the Indianapolis Art Center in 2004, the Jurist’s Award at the Cleveland Print Room Peer Show in 2018, and an Honorable Mention at the Cleveland Photo Fest's PHOTOTHON for “Furtography” and “Dear Diary” in 2021.
Statement: “Fairy Tales: A Floral Fantasy” is my artistic take on the alchemy of centuries-old fairy tales and the haunting beauty of flowers from the natural world. The photo series grew out of a childhood memory of my mother creating a doll for me out of the blooms of a Hollyhock plant (just as her own mother did for her…and just like I did for my own two daughters when they were little girls). The doll’s gown was the layered pink petals of the flower, and the doll’s fancy headpiece was an unopened bud. It was Cinderella going to the ball, and to me, it was magic. Today, I’ve attempted to recreate that magic by depicting flowers as I’ve imagined them in various fairy tale settings. I love that family stories, like mine, pass from one generation to the next, much like traditional fairy tales.
Fatima Taylor
My work explores the complexity of human connections and the deep significance of emotions in our lives. I am captivated by the vulnerability fundamental in relationships, and through my art, I strive to examine the essence of humanity itself. Drawing from my background in academic figure painting and drawing, I have always found the human form to be a powerful medium for expressing emotion. Yet, my work extends beyond mere portraiture; it is a testament to the lived experiences and shared moments that define our connections with others. Recently, my artistic search has taken a deeply personal turn, influenced by my own encounters with trauma and oppression, particularly during my upbringing in the former Soviet Union. Central to my recent work is an exploration of control and power dynamics. I am interested in dissecting the roots of authority and the role of fear. My art serves as a mirror to society, prompting viewers to confront the parallels between historical injustices and contemporary challenges. In essence, my work is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. By confronting the shadows of the past, I aim to inspire dialogue and reflection, igniting hope for a more just and empathetic future.
Mimi Zhang
Mimi Zhang is a rising fifth year at Tufts University/SMFA, based in both Cleveland and Boston. While primarily a painter, their work is increasingly interdisciplinary.
Artist Statement: While primarily a painter, Mimi Zhang’s current work explores the facets of painting, woodworking, and metals as a way to collage together ephemeral thoughts and brooding monologues surrounding themes of heritage, culture, and identity. Mimi creates a cohesive dialogue focusing on intergenerational storytelling that encourages the viewer to reflect on their own inherited histories. Using all three mediums allows for transition between the 2D and the 3D, creating unique and sensory avenues into narrative. Their work utilizes lived experiences of family, elders, and friends for the purpose of biomythography, which is the combination of myth, history, and biography into one epic narrative. By combining the fantastical with slices of life, they maintain playful elements in their work while still addressing the bitter realities of dysphoria, otherness, and intergenerational trauma. Through their work, they highlight things often hidden in everyday life: the forms of mobility in one’s life, those forgotten and marginalized, and how niches of community and families can overturn false or stereotyped perceptions of reality. To bring life to a sequential moving narrative, Mimi relies on abstract expressionist techniques, with a focus on gesture, texture, and color.