Long, long ago, our mammalian ancestors skulked around in the dark of night, desperate to evade reptilian predators. In the centuries since, Homo sapiens have moved to a diurnal routine strictly monitored by ticking clocks. Be that as it may, a vestige of our nocturnal brain is still intrigued by what happens when sunlight wanes. In Nocturne, a group exhibition opening at Momentum Gallery this month, artists will explore this theme through paintings, cyanotypes, sculptures, and original prints that “celebrate the drama and mystery of night.” The gallery describes the inspiration for the show thusly: “While the world is shrouded in shadow, the moon and artificial lights define shapes emerging from darkness. Imagination picks up where detail leaves off, imbuing this time with magic and intrigue — the potential of the unknown and unseen.” Running concurrently, Vietnam will present new oils from Georgia-based landscape painter John L. Cleaveland, Jr. In this series, the contemporary realist captures scenes from the Southeast Asian country in visceral detail and “with palpable grit and energy.” For the seventh consecutive year, the gallery has also curated a diverse collection of “intimately scaled” and delightfully giftable pieces for the group show Small works | big impact.
All exhibits run November 16 to February 3, 2024; Opening Reception: Thursday, Nov. 16, 5-8pm.
Momentum Gallery / 52 Broadway St., Asheville