Solo Show at Rebel Salon and Art Gallery: A Journey Through Emotion and Form

Oct 4, 2024

2 min read

I recently had the pleasure of exhibiting my work at Rebel Salon and Art Gallery in Jefferson City, Missouri. While there was no specific theme guiding the collection, this local business has a tradition of showcasing local artists, and I was honored when they reached out to me after discovering my work online. Rebel took care of all the heavy lifting—organizing and arranging the pieces—allowing me to focus on sharing my art with the community.

The Artwork on Display

The exhibit featured a variety of my work, from abstract watercolors to intimate portraits, each piece exploring different facets of emotion, form, and human experience. Here are some of the pieces that were part of the collection:

The Forbidden Veil (8x10)
Contours of Heartache (8x10)
Faces of Control (8x10)
In the Absence of Light (8x10)
Breaking Through the Silence (8x10)
Fragmented Yet Whole (8x10)
Scruffy Scribbly Dog (8x10)
Scribble Portrait of a Woman (8x10)
Scribble Portrait of a Man (8x10)
A Study of Red Values and Lines Using 6 Circles (8x10)
A Study of Red Values and Lines Using 3 Circles (8x10)
Scribble Hens (8x10)
Echoes of Emotion Series (8x10) – This was the first time my Echoes of Emotion series was on display. This body of work delves into my personal experiences with emotional abuse and trauma, making the pieces particularly significant to me.
Complimentary Companions (5x7) – The only piece that sold during the show, though I was told that my work received consistent praise from Rebel's customers.

In total, there were about 40 pieces on display, the majority of them small watercolors, along with some commissioned portraits in charcoal, such as Wisal Khan and Akhtar Khan (11x14).

Reflections on the Experience

This exhibition was a personal milestone, not just because of the opportunity to showcase my work locally, but also because it allowed me to present pieces that explore the deeper, more painful aspects of my emotional journey. The Echoes of Emotion series was particularly meaningful to me, as it reflects my experiences with emotional abuse and the process of healing. The abstract pieces I displayed also touched on similar themes, inviting viewers into the complexities of the inner emotional landscape.

Despite being a relatively small exhibit, the feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive. Many visitors found something meaningful in the pieces, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with the community through my art.

What’s Next for the Collection

While the exhibit didn’t include an opening reception (since Rebel Salon is not a traditional gallery), the experience was still incredibly fulfilling. The pieces that didn’t sell will be moved to the Porchfest event on Sunday, October 6, 2024. After that, they’ll be available on my website, and some of them will find a new home at the Capital Arts Gallery in Jefferson City.

This show has inspired me to think bigger—both in terms of the scale of my pieces and the emotional depth I want to continue exploring. I’m excited to take this journey further and create larger works that dive even deeper into the themes of inner struggle, resilience, and healing.