DC Arts Center
Sally Veach and Jeffrey Berg “Here and Where?”
Though September 22
www.dcartscenter.org
DC Arts Center presents “Here and Where?”, a compelling duo exhibition by artists Sally Veach and Jeffrey Berg, curated by Milan Warner. This exhibition contrasts the internal landscapes of human experience with the external forces of nature, offering a rich dialogue between two distinct artistic perspectives.
Jeffrey Berg’s work delves into the personal, exploring how individual histories, memories, and dreams intertwine with our broader community connections. Through his intricate drawings, Berg invites viewers to reflect on the internal narratives that shape our collective experience. His exploration of character and connection brings a profound sense of intimacy, urging us to consider how our inner worlds resonate with the external environments we navigate.
In contrast, Sally Veach’s work turns outward, examining the human desire to control and domesticate the natural world. Her gestural landscapes, juxtaposed with hard-edged symbols, reflect the tension between nature’s inherent beauty and the often-destructive forces of capitalism. Veach’s paintings, rich with movement and emotion, capture the struggle between preservation and exploitation, reminding us of the delicate balance that must be maintained.
“Here and Where?” is a conversation between two artists whose work challenges us to consider the spaces we inhabit, both within ourselves and in the world around us. This exhibition is a must-see for those interested in the intersections of art, nature, and human experience. 2438 18th Street NW, Washington, DC. Gallery Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM. (202) 462-7833
gallery neptune and brown
Diane Szczepaniak “Meditations on
Color and Light”
Through October 19
www.galleryneptunebrown.com
Diane Szczepaniak’s latest solo exhibition invites viewers into a world where color, light, and space converge to explore the deeper connections between the seen and unseen, the material and the spiritual. Known for her meticulous layering technique, Szczepaniak’s works radiate a luminous depth, transforming the canvas into a vibrant, seemingly living entity.
Szczepaniak’s paintings echo the spiritual and spatial explorations of Post-War abstract artists like Barnett Newman and Agnes Martin. Her “Dwelling” series, inspired by the natural intersections of sky, land, and sea during a visit to Melbourne, Australia, highlights her minimalist approach. These large-scale, “L”-shaped color field paintings pulse with life, as if they are breathing and expanding before the viewer’s eyes. Art historian Alice Gauvin aptly describes this phenomenon, noting how Szczepaniak’s deep understanding of space animates her work, creating an almost performative experience.
A blend of artistic and philosophical influences, from Paul Klee to Taoism, underpins Szczepaniak’s practice. Her path from an economics degree to becoming an artist is as layered as her work. After discovering her ion for art during a transformative European tour, she studied under sculptor Michael Skop and furthered her education, earning a BFA in sculpture and drawing, followed by an MA. Szczepaniak’s work, which has been exhibited nationally and is part of esteemed collections, continues to inspire and resonate. 1530 14th St NW, Washington, DC. Gallery hours: Wednesday-Saturday, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and by appointment. (202) 986-1200.
Honfleur Gallery
Rik Freeman “Black Beaches
During Segregation”
Through September 28
www.honfleurgallerydc.com
Honfleur Gallery’s current exhibition “Black Beaches During Segregation,” is a powerful series of oil paintings by award-winning DC muralist Rik Freeman. This exhibit, part of the gallery’s Artist in Residency Program, delves into the history of Black-owned beaches along the Atlantic seaboard during the era of segregation. Freeman’s work sheds light on how these beaches, born from the oppressive “Jim Crow” laws meant to diminish Black humanity, instead became vibrant spaces of joy, community, and resilience.
Freeman’s series highlights six beaches, from Oak Bluffs in Massachusetts to American Beach in Florida, five of which remain primarily Black-owned to this day. Each painting captures the unique spirit and history of these places, while also emphasizing the shared experiences of fellowship and resistance. Freeman’s compositions focus on the interactions of the beachgoers, drawing the viewer into moments of communal strength and celebration.
Born in Athens, Georgia, in 1956, Freeman has been a prominent artist and muralist in Washington, DC since 1989. Known for his public commissions like “Ode to Barry Farms” and “KNOWLEDGE,” Freeman also has an extensive history of exhibiting his canvases. His works have been featured in various group shows at institutions including the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum and Hill Center. 1241 Marion Barry Ave SE, Washington, DC. Gallery Hours: Thursday- Saturday from noon to 5 pm or by appointment. (202) 631-6291.
National Portrait Gallery
“Brilliant Exiles: American
Women in Paris, 1900-1939”
Through February 23, 2025
npg.si.edu
The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s “Brilliant Exiles: American Women in Paris, 1900-1939,” offers an extraordinary glimpse into the lives of American women who fled the constraints of early 20th-century America for the creative freedom of Paris. Curated by Robyn Asleson, this exhibition brings together portraits of 60 women who sought to redefine themselves and their art in a city that welcomed and nourished their ambitions.
These women, many of whom came from privileged backgrounds, were driven to break free from the rigid societal expectations of American society. Paris became a sanctuary where they could explore and express their creativity in painting, literature, photography and sexuality. The exhibition highlights how these women formed close-knit communities, ing one another while also challenging the norms of their time.
Among the standout works on view is Edward Steichen’s “In Exaltation of Flowers,” a series of mural s that capture the essence of these women in vibrant, floral clothing. Also featured is Carl Van Vechten’s striking portrait of Augusta Savage, an African American sculptor who fought against formidable racial and gender barriers to achieve recognition in her field.
“Brilliant Exiles” is a celebration of the resilience, creativity, and courage of women who, through their art and lives, redefined what it meant to be a woman and an artist in the early 20th century. Eighth and G streets NW. Hours Open 7 days a week 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. Closed Dec. 25. (202) 633-1000.
Phil Hutinet is the founding publisher of East City Art, DC’s visual art journal of record. For more information visit www.eastcityart.com
