Self-Reflected Universe: Brian Colley
Detail of “I’m Going Through Changes Now”, acrylic on panel painting by Brian Colley
“To be alive in this world is an amazing privilege.”
Carbondale Arts presented “Self-Reflected Universe”, a solo exhibition by Brian Colley, at the Carbondale Arts R2 Gallery and was on exhibition September 4 - October 2, 2020. The community was invited to an outdoor artist talk on Friday, September 4, which began at 5:30pm. The R2 Gallery was open until 7pm that evening and held up to 10 visitors at a time (masks and social distancing enforced).
In his solo exhibition “Self-Reflected Universe”, Brian Colley explored variations on the self-portrait as interpreted through both an intimately personal and existentially cosmic lens. Primarily showing acrylic on panel works as well as some watercolors, Brian chose to paint self-portraits as a way to examine his own experiences of sudden loss, change, and personal growth over the past couple years. The work represented here celebrates his resilience through it all, and Brian hopes others will find ways to connect to the work through their own personal stories of success and failure.
Brian had experienced some uniquely personal life-changing events over the past two years relating to a small benign growth near the base of his brain, which has affected his body in many ways. It’s been a great challenge to find ways to cope and move forward with the help of family, friends, therapists, and others, but overall the self-realizations and sudden forced self-reflection has aided in a stronger appreciation for life and the ability to see himself in new ways. He’s inspired by what the human body is capable of overcoming, slowly realizing that just to be alive in this world is an amazing privilege.
“Self-Reflected Universe” was generously sponsored by S.A.W. (Studio for Arts+Works). Designed as a space for creative professionals and professional creatives, SAW was remodeled from an auto mechanic shop into minimalist, industrial-style, artists studios on a modest budget using non-toxic, salvaged and recycled materials wherever possible. The tenant mix at SAW (potters, painters, jewelers, sculptors, print makers) showcases our commitment to enhancing the vitality of our community through our work. Follow SAW on Instagram @sawstudio.
This exhibition was also open the same dates (September 4 - October 2, 2020) as “Parallel” by Wewer Keohane and Andrew Roberts-Gray.
Brian Colley
Painter
Carbondale, CO
Brian Colley has worked as an independent artist and illustrator in the Roaring Fork Valley since 2010. He holds a BA in fine art and supplements his time creating paintings, drawings, engraved prints, and sometimes graphic design. He’s been a resident at Studio for Arts + Works (SAW) in Carbondale since 2013 and also has been the Gallery Manager at Carbondale Arts since 2014.
Brian visited Meow Wolf over a year ago but can’t stop thinking about it and still plans to secretly move in and live for the rest of his life. He also enjoys playing in his ragingly popular solo new-age-meets-gregorian-chant band, “Ukulele Underwhelm”, dreaming of tiny houses, and writing statements that people may or may not read. More at briancolley.com