One of the perks of living in the Brandywine Valley is how close it is to, well, everything. Cities, mountains, beaches, all within a simple drive. A short trip can take you from rolling farms through busy suburbs straight into the bustling city. Those scenes have inspired Urbs/Suburbs, a new exhibition from artist Pia De Girolamo at Cerulean Arts Gallery in Philadelphia.
"My husband and I bought a small row home in Philadelphia and so we split our time between the suburbs and the city," said De Girolamo, talking about the inspiration behind this show. "I enjoy the contrast between the two and was drawn to paint various scenes in each." The acrylic paintings challenge conceptions of the ordinary, exploring layers of beauty and history embedded in quiet scenes from everyday life.
Many of these scenes may be familiar, but provide a new view through the artist's perspective. "The blend of traditional and modern buildings in Philadelphia and the way their shapes and contours interacted caught my eye," said De Girolamo. "In some of the suburban paintings in this series the organic nature based subjects are still represented, albeit in the more limited way nature exists in suburbs, i.e. in wetland spaces, flood zones, and parks."
For those who do not regularly travel between city and suburbs, it can be interesting to see familiar scenes set in unfamiliar landscapes. "Let go of preconceptions and look with fresh eyes," De Girolamo said. "Get out and walk and take the time to observe your surroundings; there is interesting and evening beautiful stuff wherever you are."
Where: Cerulean Arts, 1355 Ridge Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Opening Reception: December 14th from 2:00–5:00pm
On view: December 12, 2024–January 12, 2025
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