GW Thompson’s close connection to the landscape is evident in the expressive, abstract paintings which are the subject of Main Street Gallery’s fall show, “Other Lands” -Abstract Landscape Paintings by GW Thompson. As the gallery’s guest artist, GW will show his paintings alongside the artwork of the cooperative’s 13 member artists. His desire, he says, is for visitors to engage with his work and contemplate man’s impact on the natural world.
The painter, who graduated with a BA in Art and Art History from St. Mary’s College in 1996, lives with his family at the foot of Delaware’s beautiful Great Marsh. It is here that he also maintains his studio and creates his artwork surrounded by and immersed in nature. As a self-described environmentalist, GW is a daily witness to the beauty and fragility of the landscape around him.
He describes his images as explorations “….of the surrounding world and the juxtaposition of man and nature.” He says, “Through my art I attempt to examine the relationship that humanity has with the environments they live in.”
Conveying “a sense of environmental activism” has been an important theme for this artist and one he’s dealt with in his past work by addressing environmental threats like groundwater contamination, sea level rise and pollution of natural areas.
A sense of environmental activism continues in his new work which he describes as “….reflections on the current state of environmentalism and the impacts of environmental skepticism”. Concerned that environmental protections are taking a back seat to exploitation and economic profit, GW says he feels strongly that mankind must be more proactive in dealing with the problems of overpopulation, fossil fuels and unchecked consumerism. “The world is changing” he says, “is it our fault, can we stop it, do we want to stop it, do we even have the choice?”
“Other Lands” will open at the gallery on Thursday, September 2 and run through Sunday, October 31. There will be two artists receptions on Second Saturdays, September 11 and October 9 from 5-8 pm. The receptions are free and open to the public. The gallery is located at 518 Poplar St. in Cambridge’s lively Arts and Entertainment District and directly across the street from Jimmie and Sooks Restaurant.
Open hours for the exhibit are Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 11-5 and Saturday from 10-8 in September. Please check our FB page for hours in October. Patrons may also schedule a private visit by calling 410-330-4659 and they may shop online at the gallery’s website: www.mainstgallery.net, The gallery provides curbside pickup and free local delivery.
Main Street Gallery is Cambridge’s only artist-owned and run cooperative and is currently reviewing work from prospective members and guest artists. Please contact the Gallery if you are interested in being a part of this vibrant artist community.
Main Street Gallery is following the current CDC guidelines regarding the wearing of masks.
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