We all need light in our lives – both literally and figuratively. And a new solo exhibition is encouraging us to think deeper about the presence of light.
NYC feminist art gallery The Untitled Space is thrilled to announce the debut solo exhibition of Brooklyn-based artist Tabitha Whitley, curated by Indira Cesarine. The exhibition opens on October 11, 2024, and will be on view through October 19, 2024. This showcase will feature Tabitha’s latest series of oil on canvas paintings alongside intricate works on paper.
In this compelling body of work, Tabitha invites viewers to contemplate the transformative power of light—a central theme that resonates deeply in our daily lives. Inspired by the dappled light of spring, which has long captivated artists, her paintings reflect the unique interplay of sunlight filtering through trees, creating luminous patterns that define this season.
Each piece begins with an underpainting focused on capturing light, followed by layers of vibrant oil paint that express both color and illumination. The graphite drawings on transparent drafting film further enhance this exploration, layering imagery with the ethereal quality of dappled light.
Having grown up in Brooklyn, Tabitha draws from her childhood experiences on tree-lined streets, where the canopies created a comforting embrace. One notable work, “The Stoop,” depicts her childhood home’s stoop, showcasing the shadows of these familiar trees.
Tabitha’s work navigates themes of identity, heritage, and the profound interconnectedness of humans and nature. She has exhibited widely, with notable appearances in the “Love Black” exhibition at the Springfield Museum of Art, and is currently on view in the 2024 Brooklyn Museum’s “Brooklyn Artist Exhibition.”
Through her art, she seeks to envelop viewers in a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, encouraging a reflective engagement with their surroundings. These works explore our intrinsic connection to light and its relationship with the natural world, inviting a reflective engagement with our surroundings.
“Despite growing up in the bustling environment of New York City, I find deep inspiration in nature. The contrast between urban life and the natural world drives my desire to seek and represent green spaces, reflecting a longing for tranquility and connection. My work is an invitation to pause and reflect on the subtle yet profound connections that define our experience with nature and ourselves,” she said in a press statement about her solo exhibition.
Art has always been a powerful conduit which can allow us to imagine a better world, and by gazing on Tabitha’s images, we can envision a life that is filled with light, connected to nature and ourselves much more deeply.
You can follow and see more of Tabitha’s work on Instagram, and take a look at her solo exhibition at The Untitled Space during it’s October viewing.
