RJD Gallery began in the Hamptons, New York, with the mission of raising awareness and funds for nonprofits. The gallery has grown that to a global level and it is, and will continue to be, its cornerstone. In 2021 the gallery will relocate to Romeo, Michigan, with a larger and more suitable space to achieve its long-term goals. Marking this occasion, from January 29 through February 28, the gallery will host a group show for all of its artists as well as continue its 10th annual celebration of Black History Month.Jesse Lane, Undercurrents, colored pencil on Bristol board, 26 x 39"

“A wise friend once told me, ‘Life does not come with a valid roadmap,’” says gallery owner Richard J. Demato. “I learned early on in judo to deflect unexpected and often unwanted events and pivot, change and adapt to not only survive but to develop and continue forward.”

He continues, “Although the pandemic has brought many changes to all of our lives, we have learned that art transcends all borders and barriers, and that All Roads Lead to Art. We herein continue to celebrate and honor Black History Month with our gallery artists and collectors from around the world, with a fantastic curation of artwork showcasing a diversity of creative voices; much needed in today’s world.”

Aneka Ingold’s Reverence is a striking mixed media composition that symbolizes “a desire to admire and value other human beings, cultures, rituals, creatures and the planet itself.” Ingold furthers, “Reverence can be a feeling of awe in the presence of something new, beautiful or inspiring. A moment of discovery and open-mindedness. The woman in the drawing is expressing deep respect and honor for the flora and fauna that exist in the world around her. Reverence can be an opportunity for new growth in a divisive time.”Kris Lewis, Starla, oil on canvas, 30 x 30"

Undercurrents, by colored pencil artist Jesse Lane, is a painting full of emotions and energy. In explaining the piece, he says, “What lies beneath the surface of love? Love is mystical. It makes us weightless. With it, we escape the gravity of the world and fall into the gravity of each other.  It causes us to look deep within ourselves and someone else. As magical as love is, it also means venturing outside, into the unknown and taking risks. Over time, we can grow closer. And in times of turbulence, this new person can be our greatest shelter. Our emotions deepen. In a world of uncertainty, the currents of life push and pull us in many directions. We want to know we will always have the one thing that is most important—each other.”Tor-Arne Moen, Encounter in the Woods, oil, 39 3/10 x 39 3/10"

Tor-Arne Moen’s Encounter in the Woods is from his series of nostalgic winter scenes that he hopes re-create feelings, moments in time and an atmosphere that is relatable to the viewer. “When I paint, I don’t seek to be sentimental, but I obviously relate to a motif, especially because I use old black-and-white photographs as references,” he says. Moen challenges himself through his use of color, so he can build on the tones and set the brushstrokes “in a chain of actions during the time it takes to create a painting, without me fully knowing what the next brushstrokes will be like and how they will appear.”

Two paintings by Phillip Thomas will be available: Est. 1962 and The Story That I Am In. The former work, which is in the layout of a stamp, marks the year that Jamaica secured its independence from the British. In his work, Thomas simultaneously commemorates the event and investigates “some of the issues that face the island of Jamaica since its independence.” Alexander Klingspor, The Irresistible Force Paradox, oil on linen, 47 1/8 x 78 5/8"

The Story That I Am In is from a series of portraits Thomas has worked on over the past five years. “This particular image presents a figure in sort of isolation,” he says, “Like the female figure in Edgar Degas’ The Absinthe Drinker, this figure in my image looks inward. A pensive gaze that is occurring in a room of activity. This sort of isolated introspective imagery has become a very important point due to our experiences of the past year. At a time when our very isolation has become the means through which we preserve our health, but at the same time that isolation has allowed us to hear ourselves for the first time in a very long time.”Aneka Ingold, Reverence, mixed media, 30 x 22"

Jorge Santos’ latest series of paintings, including Gatherer, is inspired by his travels throughout Angola during his formative years. They are portraits of the African women he encountered and are nostalgia-inducing for the artist.

Another portrait in the show is Kris Lewis’ painting Starla. He explains, “Starla personifies the delicate balance of openness, determination, self-confidence and big dreams in a world where credulity is juxtaposed against those that may wish to use those very attributes against you for their own gain. A culture of industry capitalizing on the innocence of coming of age in modern society.”

Alexander Klingspor’s painting The Irresistible Force Paradox “is a theoretical conundrum that doesn’t exist in the physical universe. But in the realm of relationships and coupledom it can be an everyday reality,” the artist explains. “This painting is a suggestive reflection upon what happens when hesitation meets determination, when desire meets the will to not desire; the immovable object might meet the unstoppable force. Or not.”Jorge Santos, Gatherer, oil and acrylic on canvas, 30 x 24”

After Andrea Kowch’s paintings Reunion and Solitude were completed and sold in 2018, collectors requested prints for the works. Now, 10 hand-signed, limited edition archival prints are being offered. The work Reunion “harkens back to a more romantic time of travel. It also speaks to the feelings of anticipation, longing and trepidation of embarking on what is to come. A reflection of love, both human to human and the unconditional love between human and companion animal are all apparent. This painting is particularly near to my heart, as it is also a representation of the deep, sacred bond between myself and my own sweet canine, Lucky, the Lhasa Apso actually portrayed in this work, who, throughout my journey, was always at my side, and continues to be so, now in spirit.” Solitude, depicting a full-length female standing atop a snowdrift, is a work that connects the figure with nature. It allows for a quiet moment to reflect on the beauty of the natural world.

Another print offered is Rachel Moseley’s Big Gulp, which depicts a woman drinking from a large convenience store soda, sunglasses on and her hair up in a bun. Ten editions of the print are available and there is one artist proof. —

RJD Gallery 227 N. Main Street • Romeo, MI 48065 • (917) 678-2292 • www.rjdgallery.com 

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