Photo by Jeanine Marie Photography
When one considers the idea of painting, the mind might trend toward ideas of a clean white canvas covered in soft watercolors or hand-pressed paper flaunting thoughtfully placed smears of acrylic—maybe comprising a flower garden, sensational sunset, or view of rolling hills. But Jeralyn Victoria Mohr, a St. Paul-based artist, strives to challenge preconceived notions like these in her first solo gallery exhibition, “Material Language,” which will be on display from May 22 to July 10 at NewStudio Gallery in St. Paul.
An Approach Like None Other
In fact, Mohr uses recycled silk, coffee, soil, beads, thread, and more to craft works that explore the various forms modern-day painting can take—all of which are a stark departure from the traditional sense of a painting described above.
Her Earth Paintings, in contrast, incorporate red soil from Arizona and California, while the Silk Paintings are crafted from upcycled sari silk. The goal of weaving, knotting, stretching, and layering the latter? To create a connection between the fibers’ history and women, craft, ritual, and self-expression.
Photo by Jeralyn Victoria Mohr
Mohr’s Mended Paintings might just be a favorite amongst gallery visitors, though. In these works, cross-stitching adds a textural, traditional element to the series. The stitches in her paintings “mend and heal, but also bind, tether, and connect,” Mohr says in a press release. “They provide texture but are buried in fresh paint.”
Expect all of the above (plus fabric, acrylic, spray paint, text, hand-made dyes, burlap, yarn, and water on canvas, paper, and plaster) incorporated into the 15-plus works and several series to be proudly on display.
Photo by Jeanine Marie Photography
When Worlds Collide
Remember this story on TV host Amy Matthews’ new home by Hartman Homes and D/O Architects? Believe it or not, Mohr is collaborating with Matthews to create commissioned artwork for the “This Old House” 2021 Idea Home.
Added Value for Interior Designers
Gallery Details
- Who: Jeralyn Victoria Mohr
- What: “Material Language” exhibition
- When: Saturday, May 22, to Saturday, July 10, 2021
- Where: NewStudio Gallery, 2303 Wycliff St., St. Paul
Watch NewStudio Gallery’s Facebook and Instagram pages for details and access to a curator and artists’ tour of the exhibition and a live artist’s talk. Virtual and in-person opening reception will take place Saturday, May 22, 5-8 p.m.
