Three artists, myriad concerns, Camel Art Space is proud to present, “Tres Belles”, a exhibition of work by Elisa Velazquez, Lauren Gibbes, and Julie Torres, curated by Enrico Gomez and Rob de Oude. An opening reception will be held October 9th, 6 – 9 pm with music by Frogwell Kurma. Camel Art Space is open weekends only from 12 – 6 pm or by appointment.

“This is not a rebel song..” Thus began a popular anthem from the politically seminal rock band U2. While broader in scope than most protest pieces, “Sunday Bloody Sunday” certainly shared a few sentiments therewith. And so it is with the newest visual offering at C.A.S. While not necessarily a feminist art show, there exists a degree of overlap, in terms of execution and content, with some considerations of the contemporary feminine experience. Three artists, myriad concerns, Camel Art Space is proud to present, “Tres Belles”, a three person exhibition examining the constructs of culture, power and expression from a decidedly female point of view.

Employing shimmering symbol and polished photo-realism, Lauren Gibbes highlights the subtle nuances of restraint and might, among her many subjects. In her paintings, she tweaks recognizable forms, obfuscating their meaning while sharpening their psychological impact.

Elisa Velazquez’s highly tactile relief sculptures emanate from the deeply personal nexus of the magic and the real. Laced with humor, heartache and insight, her hand knit forms connote mothering, passion and “La Dramatica” , conflating cultural “womens issues” in ways both current and timeless.

The least overtly muliebrous in motif of the three, Julie Torres’ works feature disembodied hands, mystical slides and archetypal mounds, bio-forms come stand-in for esoteric states of mind. Brutalistically rendered tears, blood and rainbows seem to be treatise on the triumphs and pitfalls of the human gesture.

Taken as a whole, these objects give us just a glimpse into the many facets of these artists’ contemplations. Dazzling, engaging and enigmatic, the result, while satisfying, can leave us with as many questions as answers. Stymied? No worries. To quote again from said rock band, “It’s alright. She moves in mysterious ways”. ~Enrico Gomez