Exhibition Proposal
Title: "Cinematic Echoes: Film Imagery in Paint" or “Cinematic Echoes: A Reimagining of Film Imagery”
Artist: Lee Johnson
Proposed Venue: [Gallery/Institution Name]
Proposed Dates: [Preferred Date Range]
Contact Info: Canelle-Brooks Gallery
919.417.1386
canellebrooksgallery@gmail.com
Exhibition Overview
"Cinematic Echoes: Film Imagery in Paint" is a solo exhibition that explores the intersection of cinema and painting, using iconic and abstracted moments from film. Through a series of 20 (25) intimate oil paintings on wax paper, the paintings capture the emotional intensity and atmospheric qualities of film imagery, offering a new lens through which viewers can engage with cinematic moments.
The use of wax paper as the painting surface is a deliberate choice, imbuing the works with a translucent quality that evokes the fleeting nature of film itself; a projection on a surface. The translucent, delicate texture of the paper contrasts with the textured, haptic application of oil paint, creating an interplay of translucency and opacity that mirrors the way film frames linger in our memories; sometimes sharp and clear, sometimes blurred and ambiguous.
Curatorial Concept
The exhibit consists of 20(25) paintings on paper measuring 11"x17" (18"x24” framed). Each painting consists of three horizontal rectangular panels arranged vertically on a single panel, three images painted from a single film. Each painting showcases imagery that explore the visual and emotional impact of these films, from iconic film stills to lesser-known but profound scenes. The exhibition incorporates key cinematic genres such as film noir, action, sci-fi, and psychological thrillers.
The works will be hung in a way that allows the viewer to experience the works as a group, ideally in a single room, either hung side by side or in a tile format providing a visual saturation of imagery.
As viewers move around the gallery, they will experience subtle shifts in the appearance of each painting, much like a film shifts through frames.
The wax paper’s surface will also introduce an element of fragility, encouraging a more contemplative viewing experience. The paintings are mounted on simple supports with a neutral black mat, but with no glass. This allows the viewer to experience the painted surface and live edges directly. The exhibition design will complement the theme of cinematic memory by allowing viewers to engage with the works as they might a film reel, experiencing the ebb and flow of imagery in a space that fosters immersion.
Technical Requirements
The paintings are to be exhibited as a group in their entirety, ideally in a single gallery space, either hung side by side or in a tile format. Additional paintings to supplement the core group of paintings are available upon request.
Gallery lighting that highlights the impact of each image, with adjustable lighting to bring out the texture and color of the oil paint
Wall-mounting hardware designed to support delicate wax paper works
Diligence and care in handling the paintings which, unprotected by glass, are of a fragile nature.
Optional: sound system for ambient film scores or movie soundtrack selections; playlist available upon request
Promotion & Audience Engagement
In addition to traditional marketing efforts, I suggest the following to enhance the viewer’s experience and deepen their connection to the exhibition:
Film Screening: Screening of clips of the films that inspired the paintings.
Interactive Catalog: A catalog that features insights into the films referenced, images of the paintings, and a breakdown of the creative process.
Conclusion
"Cinematic Echoes" offers an immersive journey into the emotional core of film through the lens of contemporary painting. The choice to work with wax paper as a medium allows for a dimension in the exploration of filmic imagery, enhancing the ephemeral quality of cinematic memories. Through impression and materiality, this exhibition invites viewers to reimagine how film shapes our visual consciousness, making each work not just a painting, but a portal into a fleeting, powerful cinematic moment; the way film speaks to painting, and the way painting answers back.
Representation:
919.417.1386
canellebrooksgallery@gmail.com