PHANTOM DNA

Take a trip around the world and through time with Val Nelson’s new exhibition PHANTOM DNA. Seeming to depict decayed palace interiors and a romantic Parisian landscape, stylistically these works range from almost obsessive realism, to fuzzy dreamlike images that barely come together, to the wild abandon of joyous free mark-making. Taking place at Visual Space Gallery on Dunbar, this collection of paintings and drawings was four years in the making. The paintings depict a variety of historical European interiors including Paris, Berlin, and Venice. The largest piece in the collection, PHANTOM DNA, measures an impressive six by eight feet and showcases the Painted Hall, in Derbyshire, UK. Nelson wants people to feel as though they could walk right into it. She said, “I really enjoy depicting space. Perhaps that comes from my dancer days and the make-believe quality of these spaces. The paintings in this collection are very atmospheric and theatrical, like stage sets.” PHANTOM DNA will be Nelson’s first exhibition since the pandemic, and since restrictions are easing, she is delighted this will also include an Opening Reception and Artist’s Talk. She says her work has broad appeal and that anyone who appreciates contemporary art influenced by old master techniques will enjoy her work. She said, “My work straddles both worlds. Armchair travellers will also get a kick out of it too…which is basically all of us now! You’re aware when you look at my work that it’s not a photograph, it’s paint, but you’re keenly aware that it is based on a real place. I never make anything up. But there’s a lot of artistic license as to how it goes down. I’m usually striving for a feeling of freedom. It’s like jazz in the middle of a piece of classical music.” April 7 – May 7, 2022. Noon to 5pm daily (Sunday & Monday closed, including Easter weekend). Opening reception: Saturday, April 9 | 2pm – 4pm. Artist talk: Saturday April 23 | 2pm.