Isabella Al-Sharif reclaims the divine feminine with her impressive exhibition “Her Temple” at LeMoyne Arts.
The exhibition features artworks by more than 20 female artists and one male artist to challenge the unequal appreciation not only of women’s art, but also of the work of minority artists.
The grand opening on August 22 was a huge success. The local art community flocked to LeMoyne Arts to see Al-Sharif’s highly anticipated exhibition. Her art has an uplifting message and is accessible to people from all walks of life.
“When I talk about divine femininity, I don’t just mean women or girls,” Al-Sharif said. “It’s also for men and I try to be inclusive because I believe we all have this feminine and masculine center. It’s about balancing those two.”
Al-Sharif’s large-scale acrylic paintings with gold leaf have an appealing aesthetic. The inspiration for her artwork spans three generations – both her mother and daughter have contributed to her artwork.
“My mother had artwork all over the house, like posters, and I saw women surrounded by gold and that was very majestic and royal to me,” Al-Sharif said. “I create my art for (my daughter) because I want her to know what it means to be a confident woman in the world and to never be afraid to express who she is and stand by her truth.”
In the five years since moving to Tallahassee, Al-Sharif has made a name for herself as an artist and inspiration to all in the Tallahassee arts community. She is a board member of the 621 Gallery in Railroad Square and a program coordinator for LeMoyne Arts. Her latest exhibition is designed to delight everyone who has the pleasure of seeing it.
“When I say empowerment, I don’t mean the empowerment that people just throw around. For me, it goes much deeper,” Al-Sharif said. “It’s about those times in life when you’re surrounded by darkness and fear and you have to make that conscious decision and find the strength to get out of there and find hope, even when you don’t even see it.”
Planning for the exhibition began a little over a year ago. Art is not as simple as putting pictures on a wall; it is a process and a passion. Al-Sharif’s passion is inspired by her love of art in the community.
The arts in Tallahassee may be in jeopardy after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis cut funding for Florida Arts programs by $32 million in late June, citing what he said was an “inappropriate” use of state funds.
Still, Tallahassee artists are fighting back. Artists like Al-Sharif say DeSantis’ budget cuts won’t take away their passion for their art.
Al-Sharif started a petition on change.org to save the arts in Tallahassee. The petition calls on local and state government to restore and increase funding to ensure investment in the arts and culture community.
Despite all the uncertainty in the arts, the show must go on. Local musicians Ed Prasse and the R&R Sisters provided live music for the opening event on a picturesque evening in Tallahassee.
Visitors sip champagne and move from room to room. Her paintings light up the room and have a regal aura, as if one were in the presence of a king or queen.
Artists like Al-Sharif continue to do what they do best – using their artistic talents to connect with people through exhibitions like Her Temple. Whether it is painting, poetry, writing or sculpture, artists have the ability to uplift society on a spiritual and emotional level. Al-Sharif’s art is spiritual, elegant, inclusive and balanced.
The exhibition will run at LeMoyne Arts until September 21.
