LOCAL ARTIST EMBRACES THE DARK IN NIGHTMARE VERMONT 2011
So. Burlington, VT October 17, 2011 – Visionary artist, Antony Galbraith, is premiering new artwork work at the Dark Art Gallery as part of Nightmare Vermont 2011. The exhibit Encountering the Dark Being opens Thursday October 20th at 6:30 with the premier of Nightmare Vermont 2011 and runs for the following ten days concurrent with show times.
According to Galbraith, "The artwork installation presented at Nightmare Vermont is the byproduct of a spiritually engaged path, in which I explore the roots of persona and archetypal patterns embedded within humanity. It is inevitable when examining the subconscious, that one reaches the dark places of the Self. Darkness is often considered something to be avoided, yet, true personal growth can only be achieved when facing the aspects of Self that one fears."
"The dark aspect is not something to be feared, for to fear the dark, is to be afraid of our own nature. It is to be understood as part of a natural cycle of rise and fall, expanding and contracting, reaching out and turning inward, etc. Overcoming or engaging fear openly can be a transformative and initiatory process even in our busy modern lives," he added.
Event organizers are excited by the synergy of the artwork and the show's story line. In a Nightmare Vermont first, the artwork begins the journey in a mystical world. "Crows, falling leaves, twisting vines, wolves, masks and mythic creatures become symbols for heeding the call, descending and ultimately transcending the darkness found within," explained Galbraith. After leaving the gallery, ticket holders will indeed descend into a different world.
Wendy Farrell, a long-time member of South Burlington Rotary Club, the presenting sponsor of Nightmare Vermont explained that, "I have long held the belief that Nightmare is a way to explore the darker side of human nature and enhance our appreciation of life. It is so exciting to meet an artist who shares that perspective."
"In primitive cultures, facing fear was a necessary catalyst for growth, an honored sacred rite, which allowed for the evolution of spirit and achievement in social standing. Over time we have lost touch with this sacred ritual, mistaking darkness and fear for something negative or evil, and, as a result, we fumble along," explained Galbraith.
Antony Galbraith found artistic expression early in life. As a child he was fascinated by birds, animals and the natural world in general. Much of his youth was spent drawing, painting and exploring nature. In 2002, he took Buddhist precepts and was given the dharma name DoAn (pronounced Doe-Ahn), which means “Way of Peace”. Through his Buddhist practice he found a spiritual path guided by art, one which focuses on exploring the interstices of nature and myth and in developing techniques for creating a living mythic tradition relevant to contemporary life. His paintings, primarily watercolor and ink pieces, are testaments to his ever-evolving spiritual exploration. His paintings are in private collections throughout the US, UK and Asia. Antony also writes and works with fiber as part of his creative exploration.
To learn more about the artist visit HYPERLINK "http://www.doanart.com" www.doanart.com
The Dark Art Gallery is located in the entrance of Nightmare Vermont at 22 Picard Circle, South Burlington. The Dark Art Gallery is open to the public and free of charge.
Contact: Wendy Farrell
www.nightmarevermont.org/index.php/dark-arts-gallery.html
To learn more about Nightmare Vermont 2011 visit NightmareVermont.org
To learn more about South Burlington Rotary visit SouthBurlingtonRotary.org
