Last Rites Gallery "Transcendence" 2 Person Show Featuring Jasmine Worth & Darby Lagher September 16th, 2017 325 W 38th St New York, NY 10018
“Transcendence” Darby Lahger & Jasmine Worth Opening Reception Saturday, September 16th at 7pm September 16th – 30th, 2017
On September 16th, 2017, Last Rites Gallery is delighted to present “Transcendence”, a two-person exhibition featuring works by Darby Lahger and Jasmine Worth. “Transcendence” brings together the occult and gothic renaissance in an exhibition displaying haunting iconography that skillfully showcases both the surreal and the familiar. Both artists’ work explore the exploitation of the disenfranchised, while giving them a voice and strength all their own.
Darby Lahger’s charcoal and graphite drawings were constructed from a deep state of introspection, while simultaneously exploring themes of old folklore. The development of her new series stem from personal experience, as she created freely and in the moment, resulting in art that is primarily autobiographical in nature. An emotive strength exudes from her drawings, creating visual expressions that leave lasting impressions on the viewer. Lahger’s art-brut approach results in works reminiscent of neo-romanticism. Jasmine Worth challenges the false dichotomy displayed in classic, religious works of art. Drawing inspiration from the Early Renaissance and Pre-Raphaelites, Worth reimagines the Madonna with a contemporary countenance, producing imagery that is as relatable as it is intriguing. As opposed to figures portrayed as either completely virtuous, like the Virgin Mary, or unchaste, as with Mary Magdalene, Worth’s velvety, stoic oil portraits showcase a broad spectrum of culture, tradition and femininity.
Darby Lahger is an American artist and a visual storyteller who resides in Sweden with her family in the forest of Dalarna in an old timber home from the 1700's. Although Lagher is best known for her photography, explores various mediums and has started a focus on charcoal and graphite drawings. Her drawings are reminiscent of old folklore illustrations and darker aspects of the human condition.
Jasmine Worth studied art formally and earned her BFA from the Laguna College of Art and Design. She creates depictions of the symbolic and surreal using techniques and imagery of classical painting. Worth draws on personal experiences that parallel the larger cultural experience, with her subconscious being a gateway for commentary on the world around her. The seamless blending of the iconic with the visceral blurs the line between what is sacred and what is profane. She currently lives and works in San Diego, California.
“Transcendence” will be on view at Last Rites Gallery, 325 W 38th Street #1, New York, NY 10018 from September 16th – 30th, 2017. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 16th, at 7pm. For inquiries or to request a VIP collector preview of the exhibition please email info@lastritesgallery.com.
