Holly Wong: Incantations at Bridgette Mayer Gallery
By Allan Lane
October 29, 2024
Bridgette Mayer Gallery presents Incantations, a solo exhibition of collaged paintings, drawings, and installations that delve deep into themes of healing, resilience, and personal transformation by Holly Wong. Incantations is Wong’s first solo show with the gallery from October 29 to December 14, 2024. An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, November 1, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Before the opening reception, the “Trauma, Art and Transformation” panel discussion is scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts’ Rhoden Auditorium. The discussion aims to shed light on the profound impact of art in navigating and transcending personal trauma. Panelists Holly Wong, Bridgette Mayer, Dr. James George, and Morgan Yacoe will share their journeys of how creative expression has been instrumental in overcoming adversity and fostering a thriving existence. Additionally, the discussion will highlight the therapeutic programs offered by the George Family Center for the Healing Arts.
Incantations presents a collection that includes eleven collaged paintings on shaped aluminum, four intricate drawings on wood panels, and a room-sized installation titled Hydra. Holly Wong’s work often begins with detailed paintings or drawings inspired by challenging subjects, such as close-ups of crime scenes or imagery of bruised skin. These are then transformed through layers of aquatic and botanical elements. Her drawings on wood panels are ethereal compositions featuring ornate mark-making, candle smoke impressions, gouache, and hand-cut drafting film rendered in monochromatic earth tones and creams. Wong employs various materials, including these materials onto aluminum panels, creating richly textured pieces.
The centerpiece installation, Hydra, comprises twenty-one pieces of laser-cut frosted acrylic, hand-molded and adorned with colored pencil drawings on both sides and suspended to form a luminous landscape along the gallery’s longest room.
Incantations will be on view from October 29 to December 14, 2024 at Bridgette Mayer Gallery. The panel discussion, “Art, Trauma, and Transformation,” will occur on November 1, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Rhoden Auditorium in the Samuel MV Hamilton Building. The opening reception will follow at the gallery from 6:00pm to 8:00pm..
Holly Wong’s Incantations is an invitation to witness the transformative journey from pain to joy through the universal language of art. The Bridgette Mayer Gallery welcomes you to experience this profound exploration of the human spirit’s capacity to heal and flourish.