WHAT'S THE CONCEPT
Beyond the Surface: Assumptions Unveiled
Welcome to "Beyond the Surface: Assumptions Unveiled," a compelling exhibition that invites you to challenge your perceptions and delve deeper into the intricate tapestry of human experience.
This exhibition features a captivating body of work comprising 8 oil paintings. Each piece is a 36 x 48 inch portrait accompanied by an object in a 12 x 12 inch frame, totaling 16 pieces in all. The portraits and objects collectively serve as a powerful commentary on the assumptions we make based on appearances.
The core of this series revolves around the assumptions people form when encountering others. It explores the multifaceted nature of human experiences and how these experiences can lead to a myriad of assumptions, often unfounded.
The portraits in this series celebrate diversity, showcasing individuals from various genders, ages, races, ethnicities, and sexual orientations. To create these compelling artworks, I conducted insightful interviews with each subject, inviting them to share the story behind an object of personal significance. This object was then framed, challenging viewers to match each portrait with its corresponding object.
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Engage with the art like never before! Armed with your smartphones, you will scan a QR code that will take you to the “Assumption Challenge” where you will match the object to the portrait. Submit the survey and get the answers in seconds. The results will automatically populate on a spreadsheet which will become part of the art. This interactive component serves to provoke thought, encouraging you to reflect on your own assumptions and how often they can be wrong.
The idea of this series stems from my own encounters with assumptions based on gender and appearance. I aim to shed light on the pervasive nature of assumptions and spark meaningful conversations around this crucial topic.
Above all, "Beyond the Surface: Assumptions Unveiled" is a call to action. It challenges us to approach others with empathy and understanding, urging us to look beyond appearances and embrace the complexity of human identity. This show is about seeing that we are not confined to a mold of what society thinks we fit into, but rather that we are unique individuals.
TESTIMONIALS
"Celebrating the power of art to challenge assumptions and inspire dialogue, Melissa Arostequi's exhibition, 'Beyond the Surface: Assumptions Unveiled,' offers a profound exploration of perception and prejudice. A must-see for anyone seeking to engage with art that provokes thought and fosters understanding." - Sergio Gomez, Curator
“Melissa’s art is truly inspiring. Breathtaking.” – Shelly Wroten
“Melissa Arostegui’s newest exhibit, Beyond the Surface: Assumptions Unveiled, engages the viewer with her beautiful portraits combined with fun interactive elements. A thought-provoking exploration about our own implicit assumptions.” – Maureen Coogan
“This exhibition was a marvelous revelation, broadening our perspectives and challenging preconceptions we didn’t even realize we held. It sparked meaningful dialogues with my children, who were particularly enchanted by the interactive components. Altogether, it was an enriching experience for our entire family.” – Montenegro Family
“I enjoyed the interactive element of this beautifully painted exhibit. The artist invites us to not only view her paintings, but to study them and draw conclusions about the paintings’ subjects.” – Mickey Lewis
“Melissa’s collection of portraits was a joy to view, especially with the natural lighting of the gallery illuminating the canvas, allowing viewers to truly appreciate her artistic ability. Additionally, the interactive feature of the exhibit, where objects representing each person in the painting are included, add an extra fun and immersive experience for all who participate. A very neat concept.” – Nicole Malenius
“The portraits spoke to me. I felt I knew those people and their stories.” Rush Patel