Like a devouring fire

Gabrielle Dobrzelewski and Lauren Pirie

September 8 - October 1, 2023
319 N. 11th St. Unit 2A Philadelphia 19107

Opening Reception: Friday, September 8, 2023

Gabrielle Dobrzelewski’s large, red-hued paintings are an exploration of the twists and turns of existence, inviting viewers to join her on her personal transformative journey. Through her work, Dobrzelewski transcends the confines of her own physicality, allowing her inquiries and emotions to resonate beyond her own being; her body emerges as both a central figure and a potent symbol. Nestled within the private corners of her domestic haven, her self-portraits become gateways to vast emotional landscapes, touching upon themes of grief, desire, anxiety, femininity, intimacy, and dreams. 

Simultaneously within the exhibition, Lauren Pirie's work offers perspective on the human form as a vessel of emotions, stories, and experiences. Through her soft sculptural creations, Pirie delves into the intricate relationship between bodies and the expressions they convey. The interplay of light and shadow within the soft folds and gentle curves captures the essence of contections that are unseen and unspoken, revealing the nuanced contours of human emotions while casting new dimensions and perspectives onto the form. Pirie’s sculpture “sorites / unbecoming” echoes the universal yearning for connection, highlighting the tension between proximity and separation.

Intricate stories are woven into every fold, curve, and shadow of the work in Like a Devouring Fire, capturing the fleeting nature of emotions as they exist within and beyond the physical constraints of our bodies.