ARTWISE TO HOLD A GALLERY EXHIBIT OPENING For local artists Paige Synnott and Wesley Rabey
ArtWise is hosting a paired gallery exhibition, “I Am” by Paige Synnott and “Fringes” by Wes Rabey from February 2-March 18 with a reception held Thursday, February 2 from 5:00-7:00
"I am a photographer, artist, and young adult navigating the world. I have been taking photos since I was capable, but really started getting photography in 2016 and by the end of 2018 I was using myself as my subject.” Paige Synnott. Paige’s photography is a way to explore herself and her identity. Synnott understands that everyone struggles with identity and self-image, she’s inspired to share her art now, to be able to better develop her photography. “I am nowhere near understanding myself or my identity perfectly, but who is. What I have done is find a beautiful side of myself that I want to share. This show is all about everything I’ve thought of myself, or been told, things that have all come to make me who I am today.” Paige Synott
Wes Rabey, in his show “Fringes” views himself as an arranger of the elements of design and a practitioner of current modeling, mold making, and casting techniques. “My artwork is primarily figurative with an emphasis in contemporary pathos. I use silicon bronze as a medium and prefer this alloy to address universal themes. I like the contrast this semi-precious metal makes while leaning into darker imagery, which I tend to gravitate towards.” Wes Rabey.. His goal is to approach subject matter in unconventional ways that hopefully challenge the viewer to question the artwork's content.” I think sculpture needs to have an edge in order to contend with the plethora of attention-span-grabbing media and to stay relevant in these modern times.” Wes Rabey.
Both of these artists have a long working relationship with University of North Dakota’s Visual Arts Department, Rabey, through his employment and Synnott as a student. On March 18th from 2:00-3:00 Synnott, Rabey and Nicole Derenne, Art Historian at the department will lead discussion about their artwork and the show.
The ArtWise mission is to enhance the Greater Grand Forks community through educational visual arts programs and exhibition space for youth, families, and artists.