A photography and installation show exploring the concepts of abandonment and loneliness opens at Palabra hair and art collective on Friday night.
Richard Gledhill, the artist behind “Impermanence (Three and Seven),” strove to be a part of Palabra’s gallery initiative because of the unique artists who are exhibited.
Gledhill grew up in a conservative and fundamental family. He said when he realized he didn’t know what he truly believed, he began to be cast out. This led to what is now a common theme in his art: “where do I belong, and what is my purpose?”
The first installation is from an already-established series of Gledhill’s, “Existential Loneliness.” The images reveal the experiences of a gay man who has recently left his heterosexual marriage and is forced to reclaim his identity.
The second installation is inspired by the sudden loss of Gledhill’s father. It explores the emotions of the artist during this difficult time.
At Palabra, the viewer will see two landscape images, both addressing the idea of hidden beauty. Gledhill said that in capturing Arizona’s desert, the barren emptiness is visible, but so is the existence of life.
“To me, the desert is a place you will find beauty,” Gledhill said.
Teresa Wilson, co-founder of the Camelback Art Collective and owner of Camelback Flowershop, said the work is raw and vulnerable and allows the audience to have a “beautiful shift in perspective.”
Gledhill said Wilson was one of the first to encourage him to pursue art and continue improving. Wilson saw Gledhill’s potential when reviewing his photography. She said each photograph is still yet has visible movement.
“Richard has a special agreement with light,” Wilson said.
Wilson said she invited Gledhill to get involved in a gallery, Camelback Art Collective, that exposes local talent to the Phoenix area.
Gabriel Fortoul, one of the artists with the Fortoul Bothers, said he has seen Gledhill’s work grow and improve firsthand. Fortoul finds Gledhill’s photography attractive for its connection between humanity and nature.
“We can all find something in Richard’s art that we can connect to,” Fortoul said.
Location is significant to the development of the show, Fortoul said. Palabra was curated with design in mind, allowing the eye minimal distractions for full immersion into the art.
“You are seeing a space curated by the artist and the photographer which balances and compliments the colors in Richard’s art,” Fortoul said.
The exhibit will open to the public starting April 15 and will remain open until May 19. The opening reception is from 7-11 p.m. at Palabra, located on First Street between Garfield and Roosevelt streets.
Contact the reporter at Ashley.Halpern@asu.edu.
