Alli Gerrish, Moving On, 2024, acrylic on board, 24″ x 18″ (Courtesy: Alli Gerrish).
The Agora Gallery is currently showing “To view”, an exhibition of works by six female abstract artists. The collection includes paintings and collages in various media that highlight the gentle beauty of a woman’s touch, with each artist contributing her unique style to the subject. Marked by spontaneity and intuition, “On View” invites reflection through curved shapes and calm color palettes. Participating artists include Meredith Knox Barineau, Lenor Bingham, Alli Gerrish, Ellen Globokar and Belle Roth. The exhibition runs through August 17.
Fine Art Globe staff writer Heather Zises had the opportunity to sit down with Boulder-based exhibitor Alli Gerrish to discuss her views on the exhibition and share aspects of her art and practice. Over the past two decades, Gerrish’s extensive body of work has spanned painting, digital painting, prints, videos, and narrative voiceover. Drawing inspiration from modern masters such as Elaine de Kooning and Cy Twombly and contemporary icons such as Amy Sillman and Terry Winters, Gerrish’s art expresses the multi-layered process of metamorphosis and transformation. Her work is a dynamic journal that channels energy and encodes iconography into abstract compositions of what Gerrish refers to as “artimation.” Her work uses simple geometric shapes, soft patterns, and delicate tones to evoke a sense of relaxation and comfort. Stripes, circles, and ellipses gently connect and intertwine, creating a serene visual experience. A recurring motif in her paintings is the hourglass shape, which symbolizes the artist herself. This distinctly feminine form represents the transformation of personal and societal vulnerabilities into visions of a better future marked by joy and positivity. Gerrish’s unique creative process combines personal narratives with visual storytelling, demonstrating the ongoing evolution of her artistic expression.
Alli Gerrish, Protection, 2023, acrylic on board, 60 x 48 inches (courtesy of Alli Gerrish).
Heather Zises: “On View” features four of your paintings. What do you think is the unifying theme of these paintings and how does it relate to the overall theme of the exhibition?
All Gerrish: When I look at the four pieces selected for this exhibition, I see not only a story being told in each painting, but a collective narrative where all the pieces come together. My work unfolds in a diary style with a universal perspective. That is, each piece tells a story about a transition or transformation in one aspect of life or society, and while it may be or feel personal, each story expands to others as well. So when I look at this exhibition, I first see “The Weight of it All,” which expresses a burden or challenge and the need for change, then “Protection,” which represents the truth that the universe has our backs, then “Moving On,” which allows for the possibility of change, and finally “Building with Dreams,” which expresses the power of intention. I think there is always a certain amount of spontaneity in painting, as we are constantly moving between order and chaos and back again. However, intuition plays a much larger role in my life.
HZ: You have been creating art continuously for the past two decades and have produced numerous series. Can you tell us about your latest work and how it differs from your previous collections?
AG: For me, the quality of storytelling is stronger as it becomes more personal. These new paintings have emerged from the new visual diary I’ve created as I work in the digital realm. This medium is so much faster for me that I think it has allowed me a different kind of freedom to experiment with new colors and symbols. After working in the digital space, returning to traditional painting was exciting as I was able to use this new visual language in a more conventional medium. I was able to return to larger works, bolder brushstrokes and palettes. I’m becoming bolder when it comes to sharing my work and recognizing the expansive power of creating.
Alli Gerrish, The Weight of It All, 2024, acrylic on board, 40″ x 30″ (Courtesy of Alli Gerrish).
HZ: A recurring motif in your paintings is the hourglass shape. Where does this shape come from and what does it symbolize for you?
AG: For me, the hourglass shape is a simplified self-portrait. It’s the result of a natural progression, starting with abstract figures, moving on to abstract dresses and dress shapes, and finally to this shortened form of the hourglass. I can identify with the idea of representing truth symbolically through language and metaphorical imagery, and this shape became my preferred way of inserting myself into the story. It first appeared in my digital work, as I worked so quickly, and became a simple female shape that I could insert into whatever story I wanted to tell that day.
HZ: In your previous career in advertising, you created voiceovers for commercials and brought that experience into your artistic career, which is quite unique. Could you explain how you incorporate voiceover work into your art?
AG: As you mentioned, I started out in television production at an advertising agency called Hal Riney & Partners in San Francisco. I was part of the team that worked for Saturn Car Company and over time became the “real people” voiceover for the campaign. That evolved into a second career as a voice artist for other ads, videos and audiobooks.
A few years ago I started working on a digital video series called Diary of a Lockdown, which explored the personal, historical and cultural challenges we face as a society today. As the stories of these ‘artimations’ took shape, I thought, what if I could allow the viewer to not only see the story, but also hear it? So I started adding my voice and prose to expand the layers through language and music, and that’s how the experience videos came about.
HZ: What projects are coming up next?
AG: In addition to some personal commissions, I have two major events planned with Agora Gallery next year. This December I will be returning to Miami with Agora Gallery to participate in Aqua Art Miami during Miami Art Week. Then in Spring 2025 I will participate in a group show at the gallery with more new work. I’m looking forward to a busy and fulfilling year!
