Erica Vhay’s upcoming solo exhibition at Altamira Fine Art presents a new body of work all about life transitions—the unique kinds one goes through as an adult. “This reflects my own transition of the last five years of a dissolution of a long-term marriage, empty nesting and a few big moves,” Vhay reflects. “At each turn one expects the transition process to be over, but it’s always over in its own time and unfortunately can’t be rushed through.”
Unwrap, oil on canvas, 24 x 24"
Vhay’s latest work is characterized by intense blockings of color and figures against abstract backdrops. Some pieces depict larger, more detailed depictions of the human form (as in Equilibrium and Unwrap), while others like Moving Through feature small, silhouetted figures.
“Erica Vhay’s approach to art, whether figurative or abstract, reflects her attention to detail and her skill in conveying the mood and energy of a scene or subject,” says Stacy Barr, gallery associate at Altamira Fine Art. “This emphasis on capturing emotions and movement adds depth and complexity to her work, making it engaging and thought-provoking.”
Moving Through, oil on canvas, 48 x 72"
Discussing Equilibrium, Vhay says, “[This piece] is a place of calm and self love between major life events to catch one’s breath and let go of expectations of what’s to come. Unwrap,” she continues, “is an unveiling of yourself to everyone around you when going through life’s events. Peeling off the old and waiting for the new. One’s life and decisions are out in the open for all to see.” Her dynamic I Love You represents “the acceptance of what’s going on and the nurturing, breathing and self love necessary to be with the chaos.”
Equilibrium, oil on canvas, 24 x 30"
During these periods of transition in her personal life, Vhay’s art style has evolved as well, evident in the variety of work she’s done lately. “At times it feels like stop and start, but that’s similar to the transition period. You think you’ve found the end, but then realize there’s another door to go through.” The artist says she’s becoming more interested in the process itself, letting things happen naturally, rather than trying to control the material. “The process can be seen in the layers of paint; in some paintings creating an abstract painting under the figure,” says Vhay. “The drawing is coming through more. And there is a vulnerability in this—in seeing the drawing instead of hiding it under layers of paint. It runs parallel to the world seeing your inner workings while going through these major life changes.”
I Love You, oil on canvas, 40 x 30"
At the present moment, Vhay is excited about her upcoming move to Denver, Colorado, where she’ll have plenty of quiet time to paint, play with her pup, take a deep breath and exhale.
Transitions takes place December 5 to 16 at Altamira Fine Art’s Scottsdale, Arizona, location with an artist reception on Thursday, December 7, from 7 to 9 p.m. —
Altamira Fine Art 7038 E. Main Street • Scottsdale, AZ 85251 • (480) 949-1256 • www.altamiraart.com
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