Return to V-Gallery

Written by Amanda Ly

I had my heart set on discovering new wonders, and the PCC Art Exhibition in November 2019 did not disappoint. When I entered the V Building Gallery, the atmosphere synchronized with the shine of the lights, which complimented the placement of the art. A photographer was snapping shots of the paintings as I, too, tried to capture the magic of the artwork...

Oscar Bernal - "3800artist Explosion"

The exhibit featured student artists: Oscar Bernal, Erika Jordan, Kelly Lenh, Elias Lopez, Julio Navarro, Vivienne Perez, Mattie Quintana, Sherry Shieh, and Kristen Wong. The genres of art varied and included surrealism, portrait, abstract, ceramics, multimedia, children books' illustration, and fine art. ​

Erika Jordan - "Nocturnal"

I especially enjoyed gazing at Kelly Lenh's art pieces. ​

Kelly Lenh - "Filter"

They shone. They sparkled. They stole a piece of my heart.

Kelly Lenh - "Manifest Potential"

What I loved about Lenh’s piece was the creativity, and with all of the pieces, the thought behind them. I personally adore intricate details and the use of rhinestones and wash tape on this particular piece. I like, too, the swirls of colors and the magical/mystical elements of the art. ​

Kelly's "Astrologer: Asteria" stood out to me. 

Kelly Lenh - "Astrologer: Asteria" 
Acrylic, watercolor, washi tape, chiyogami paper, rhinestone, and glitter in resin.

First, it was the colors that grabbed my attention. The varied blues and purples trailing after her were gorgeous. The white of her subject’s outfit contrasted nicely with the dark of her top. Then the fact that the art was on a glass circle and hung up on the wall differently held my interest. Finally, it was the emotion, the beauty, the creativity of the piece that took my breath away. The woman seemed like a Phoenix rising from hell, or rising from a ghoul-infested planet. The tilt of her head and the way she carried herself demonstrated an impressive amount of strength and confidence. The sparkle of the glitter added flare and attention to an already captivating piece. 

Mattie Quintana's "Lighthouse Living" stopped me in my tracks because it was different from the other pieces in the gallery. This particular piece made me feel that I was in another alternative world where jellyfish people exist.. It was as if I could open the window, stick my head out, and feel the salty chill of the sea breeze.

Mattie Quintana - "Lighthouse Living" ​

It was a quaint little set up. ​

I love the humor in the little notes scattered along the set. It tickled my funny bone.

Furthermore, the sketches are very thought-provoking and leaves much to be questioned. Why is the character being chased? What is chasing them? What are they holding?

Overall, this visit to the V gallery was not an experience I’d forget soon. I learned a lot. I feasted my eyes on a lot of amazing art. It always humbles me to be able to see thoughts and dreams manifest into reality, to be able to glimpse for a second into a creative mind. It was an honor to meet some of the artists and then to be able to interview them. They were all very kind and welcoming to little old me. I loved their descriptions of their art, their insight, and their thought processes. If given the chance, there will be no doubt that I would visit art galleries again.

OPTIONAL WRITING ASSIGNMENT FOR READERS:
Have you ever heard of an ekphrastic? It’s a piece of writing inspired by a piece of art. Consider one of the pieces included here and write your own creative work inspired by the art. You can add your piece in the comments! We’d love to read it! You can also submit your piece formally through our submittable on our website.

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