Feature Articles


November Issue 1999

Works by Jean McWhorter at Cameo Fine Art Gallery in Columbia, SC

Cameo Fine Art Gallery in Columbia, SC, will feature an exhibit of paintings and ceramic sculptures by Jean McWhorter Nov. 18 to kick off the annual Vista Lights celebration in the Congaree Vista area of downtown Columbia. The show will remain up though Dec. 10.

McWhorter, one of the artist included in the 100 Years /100 Artists Exhibition recently organized by the SC State Museum, in this exhibit, reveals again her unorthodox approach to creating art. She has a strong base where she studied at the University of Georgia where she received her BFA and MFA degrees. She then followed with a year of art study in New York, Europe, Mexico and Greece. She has had the persistence to push the limits of any media which has resulted in a presence that is uniquely her own.

The center piece of this exhibit is a 120" x 78" x 4" canvas and acrylic wall hanging entitled Mythical Specter. The work is constructed of a large number of painted and textured pieces of canvas and rope. Each individual piece demonstrates that it was lovingly painted numerous times. The pieces are combined with a sculptured mask on background pieces by this skilled draftsman to create a winged form. The effect of the colors and the textures of the winged form invites a closer look as one gets the sense that one level of the constructed relief texture is about to overtake the lower one.

The traditional paintings in this exhibition are also highly embellished with the texture and color that establishes a sense of mystery. One finds the ceramic sculptures have a absence of vivid colors, however, the decorative quality of the pressed designs and textures continue to create a sense of mystery. The clay sculpture in the exhibit are cat / bird like creatures perched atop the richly patterned columns and there are textured dragon like creatures with round hollow pierced bodies that become table top lanterns that allow candle lights placed in the body to reflect decorative patterns on all surrounding surfaces.

The experience of viewing this exhibition by McWhorter is moving and memorable. It charms the eye and catches the imagination. Cameo Fine Art Gallery has other works by McWhorter in their collection and they may be viewed by appointment.

For more info check our SC Commercial Gallery listings or call 803/799-8869.

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