Exhibition

El Paso, TX—Abstract painter Rhonda Doré’s new exhibit parallels the change in the weather in the Borderplex. In her collection Where Things Bloom the artist layered canvas with acrylic paint, placing soft hued petal shapes throughout the pieces. She challenges the viewer to create a story in each work of art, encouraging them to see the beauty of the natural world instead of the struggles within our own lives.

In her second series Archaeology of Memory Doré found inspiration in pieces of paper: a receipt, a diploma, a stub from a musical performance. She transforms a small tangible memory and creates a story through her application of mixed media collages on canvas. “These paintings are like ore. They reveal glimpses of metal and color like precious stones. I’m exploring a parallel between the inclusions in rock, and small meaningful occurrences in our lives,” said Doré.

A self-taught painter, Doré has been drawing and painting for the last 15 years, yet learning from podcasts and other web based programs to build her painting career. She is currently the vice president and group creative director at Sanders/Wingo, an El Paso advertising agency.

“This collection really shows a breakthrough for this artist with the use of metallics. It’s a bolder collection of colors,” said The Art Avenue Gallery owner, Kimberly Rene’ Vanecek. “Where Things Bloom takes a softer approach with her application of small petal-like pieces that appear to float throughout the canvas,” said Vanecek.

For those that follow Doré’s work, you will find her initial approach to painting hasn’t changed—she still wants each piece, no matter the size, to have a story. It may be the actual story from pieces embedded in the artwork, or it could simply be your own interpretation.

Above and Below: Where Things Bloom & Archaeology of Memory will be on display Thursday, March 10, 2016 through April 10, 2016. The Art Avenue Gallery will be hosting a workshop with Doré on Thursday March 26 at 6 p.m.

The Art Avenue Gallery hours are Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Monday and Saturday by appointment only, at 1618 Texas Ave. Suite E. For additional information or questions, please email info@theartave.com or call 915.213.4318.