Death and the Maiden Group Show at the Roq La Rue Gallery

Miss Margaret and the Spirit of Death by Travis Louie

Roq La Rue turned fourteen this month, and what better way to celebrate than with a kick ass group show. Running through August 4th, Death and the Maiden takes an age old theme and lets the artists of today take a stab at it. Esao Andrew’s colorful pallet lends a false sense of security to “Joyride to Nettles Summit”. With Death literally in the driver’s seat, things aren’t looking too good for the lovely lady and her pet. With a penetrating stare, the maiden in Madeline Von Foerster’s “The Promise II” seems very comfortable sharing a table with the dead. The roots of a tree are intertwined with their grasp, possibly suggesting that life and death go hand in hand, and there is much beauty growing between the two.

Miss Margaret and the Spirit of Death (detail) by Travis Louie

If you take the time to see everything Ciou’s “Dancing with my Death“ has to offer, you might be there until you die. Demons, animals, and Death herself are rendered in exquisite detail over what looks to be old encyclopedia pages, creating an unusual backdrop for her characters interactions. And if spooky is your thing, then Laurie Lee Brom’s “Jade” will keep you looking over your shoulder as you peruse the other pieces. With a penetrating stare, “Jade” will make you look away immediately, wondering what you did wrong. It can only be described as “creeptastic”.
Written by Robbie Lowery

Black Virgin by Sylvia Ji