Press Release - Where You Need To Be by Soleé Darrell
Soleé Darrell - ”Where have you been?”
Dye on silk velvet. 52 x 39 inches. 2024.
pt.2:
Where You Need To Be: Teleportation Studies
a solo exhibition by
Soleé Darrell
Opening Reception
June 1, 2024 at 6 pm
Through - July, 13th, 2024
1523b Webster St.
Oakland, CA 94612
To receive a preview contact
info@part2gallery.com
pt.2 Gallery is thrilled to present Soleé Darrell’s inaugural solo exhibition with the gallery, Where You Need To Be: Teleportation Studies. Originating from Bermuda and currently residing in the Bay Area, Darrell's artistic journey seamlessly intertwines intuition with purpose, traversing the intricate landscapes of human existence while intercepting alternate dimensions.
Darrell's kaleidoscopic work beckons viewers into a realm of self-reflection and meditation. Through the delicate application of dye on silk velvet, she embarks on a transformative journey of emotional healing and existential mapping. Each brushstroke encapsulates a spectrum of emotion - from vulnerability and fervor to an unwavering trust in the cosmic forces guiding our paths. This exhibition showcases Darrell's largest works to date, created amidst the landscape of West Marin. Drawing inspiration from personal and collective traumas, her palette has shifted towards depth and darkness, offering solace and warmth amidst the journey of release and metamorphosis. Titles such as Where you need to be, Day by day the petals fall and Where you land serve as poignant reflections of Darrell's quest for acceptance amidst life's adversities.
Departing from her work in encaustic, Darrell embarks on a bold new venture with silk velvet as her medium. Despite the inherent challenges of a new and difficult material, Darrell adeptly navigates the nuances of powdered and liquid dye, resulting in fluid abstractions of color that radiate from central altar-like motifs with imperfect symmetry. Velvet, with a rich history rooted in Renaissance tapestry and 70s bohemian culture, serves as a distinctive canvas for Darrell's expressive journey. By revitalizing this underutilized material for its depth, texture, and complexity, Darrell breathes new life into the material.
Soleé Darrell - ”Tunnel”
Dye on silk velvet. 52 x 38 inches. 2024.
Informed by her experiences as a Doula, Darrell's work resonates with a profound sense of interconnectedness, guiding us towards a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and the infinite mysteries of the universe. Where You Need To Be: Teleportation Studies stands as a testament to Darrell's exploration of existence and her continuous pursuit of enlightenment. Through her artistry, she invites viewers to transcend the boundaries between the ethereal and corporeal realms, offering a glimpse into the boundless possibilities of human consciousness. In the artist’s words, “Creating these works is an everyday reminder to feel what it means to be alive in this moment. To show my gratitude to the universe. My hope is that the viewer can also share that experience within themselves. I want to bring you back into your body and shoot you into space at the same time.”
Written by Christine Koppes
Soleé Darrell was born in Bermuda, lives in West Marin and works in Oakland, California. Darrell has exhibited in the Bay Area, Bermuda, and Tokyo, Japan. Recent exhibitions include Legion Projects, San Francisco; Soft Times Gallery, San Francisco; Brass and Reiner, San Francisco; Legion Projects, Healdsburg; Rare Device, San Francisco; and a residency and exhibition at Almost Perfect, Tokyo, Japan. Her work is currently part of the 2024 Bermuda Biennial at the Bermuda National Gallery. Upcoming exhibitions include a group show at Pacific Saw Works, Oakland CA. Darrell has been selected for the 2023 Museum of the African Diaspora’s Emerging Artist Program.