The Union of Maine Visual Artists is pleased to host the upcoming exhibition: “Hierophanies”by the Chilean artist and UMVA member Maria Lundin at the Portland Media Center, 516 Congress Street, Portland Maine, February 3rd– 24th, 2023.

Hierophanies is an exhibition that explores the idea of how we relate to the spiritual in its most symbolic nature. Etymologically, the word itself comes from Greek hiero-, "sacred," and phainein, "to show"), a term designating the manifestation of the sacred. In other words, 'Hierophanies take place in the soul, not in things'. 

These paintings respond deeply to theosophy of art that accompanies a vision of a world in its wholeness: matter and spirit. Hence, the objective of these Hierophanies is not representation itself, but rather transformation and transfiguration of the inner and outer realms. Their projected spaces remind us of lights and preexistent forms treasured only in dreams.

Maria Lundin describes her drawings and paintings as a language and territory that helps her to consult and give meaning to the realities she experiences, either intellectual, sensorial or spiritually speaking. “I have also found in my drawings and paintings an answer to the limitations we experience as intellective and sensitive beings. Some concepts and ideas can be inexpressible in words because of their ineffable character. Through paintings, I think, we are able to overcome those linguistic barriers. The creation of new imagery also brings new concepts and new realities. Each time that I draw or paint, an entire world of meanings appears, illuminating the relationship between the cultural, symbolic and the spiritual.”

 This collection invites us to dive into inner realms of active imagination and crystallize these emblems beyond our own limitations.

The Union of Maine Visual Artists is a collective of artist volunteers. We represent artists statewide in all fields of endeavor and welcome those who support contemporary artists in Maine. The UMVA is dedicated to upholding the dignity of artists while creating positive social change through the arts. By collaborating with other cultural and political organizations, we raise awareness for significant issues while promoting an inclusive arts community in Maine.

The UMVA Gallery presents monthly member group, thematic and solo exhibitions and is open during regular operating hours of the Portland Media Center (www.ctn5.org).

The opening reception is Friday, February 3, 2023 from 5-8pm during the Portland First Friday Art Walk. The exhibition is free to the public and the Portland Media Center facility and gallery is ADA accessible. Artworks in UMVA exhibitions are generally for sale through the artist(s) and a portion of each sale benefits the UMVA.

For further information about UMVA and Membership visit www.umvaonline.org. For further information on the artist(s) visit
Website: https://mpl-artdrawings.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.p_lundin_art
Contact information: artbymplundin@gmail.com

PRESS RELEASE FOR UMVA FEBRUARY 2023  EXHIBITIONS: HIEROPHANIES BY MARIA LUNDIN AND THIS ENERGY OF MINE BY NORAJEAN FERRIS.

PORTLAND MEDIA CENTER,  516 CONGRESS STREET, 5PM to 8PM. 
FEBRUARY 3rd - 24th, 2023                                      

The Union of Maine Visual Artists is pleased to host the upcoming exhibitions, Hierophanies by Chilean artist Maria Lundin and This Energy of Mine… by American artist Norajean Ferris at the Portland Media Center located on 516 Congress Street, in Portland Maine. The exhibitions will be shown from February 3rd to the 24th, 2023.

In definition, the exhibition Hierophanies explores the idea of how humanity relates to spirituality in its most symbolic nature. Etymologically, the word itself comes from the Greek hiero-, "sacred," and  phainein, "to show"), a term that describes the manifestation of all things venerated. The paintings in this exhibition respond deeply to the philosophy of art that accompanies a vision of a world that encompasses wholeness. Hence, the objective of Hierophanies is not mere representation itself, but rather transformation. Maria Lundin describes her drawings and paintings as a “language and territory that helps me to consult and give meaning to the realities that I experience:  intellectual, sensorial and spiritual.. I have also found in my drawings and paintings an answer to the limitations that, we as humans,  experience as intellective and sensitive beings. Some concepts and ideas can be inexpressible in  words because of an ineffable character.  However, I believe that through the patience of visual art, we as communities are able to overcome these linguistic barriers.

Throughout her artistic practice, Norajean Ferris creates many abstract pieces. These works, done in pastel and oil paints, reflect her ever changing creative process and artistic identity. “As an artist, I am constantly trying to make sense of the modern world, a task that can be overwhelming for the boundless energies that exist in my soul.” As a way to make sense of her emotional unrest, Norajean creates abstract pieces that start with no premeditated thought process yet end with eccentric structure and elusive balance. The creation of these pieces inspired Norajean to create This Energy of Mine…, a statement that describes “my unplanned but directional thought process, that creates the colors, patterns and shapes that are the foundations for these pieces.” In addition to this, the overall purpose of This Energy of Mine… is to make viewers see the elements of the human psyche in relation to art. The abstracts that are displayed in this show will make “people realize that there are no boundaries for emotions, intention, discipline or technique in creative expression, and that art, in itself, connects all facets of humanity to the ever-changing constellations of the creative universe.”