"Deco-Lyricism: Works by Dr. Selena Nawrocki

Venvi Art Gallery is pleased to present “Deco-Lyricism” by Dr. Selena Nawrocki.   Utilizing her background in Interior Design, Dr. Nawrocki blends the boundaries between axonometric renderings and Fine Art in her first solo exhibition with Venvi.  The resulting imagery takes the viewer through a winding path of mysterious journeys, vibrant colors, and a glimpse into the art deco aesthetics of the future.

Elements of architecture and interior design are at the forefront of visual components in Dr. Nawrocki’s work. Geometric curves, rectangles and squares, and elements of line and plane come together to create abstract room renderings.  These angles and forms take a life of their own, and at times even expand past the limitations of the rendering itself.  Many of her works consist of a single interior space broken up into a variety of shapes and mounted together with metal hinges, creating dynamic, geometric structures outside the bounds of the metaphorical canvas.  The resulting art has a bas-relief sculptural quality, giving these 2-dimensional interiors a 3-dimensional display.

A recurring motif in “Deco-Lyricism” is the imagery of staircases.  While the symbolism of a traditional staircase typically evokes feelings of hope and positivity in its ascent, or fearfulness and negativity in its descent, Dr. Nawrocki subverts this expectation by picturing spiraling, never-ending sets of stairs in her compositions.  In doing so, these twisting paths represent a more convoluted, mysterious route to the viewer.  While less direct in their design, these winding staircases still have a connective quality—whether pictured or implied—illustrating a more contemplative, and maybe even realistic, symbolic journey of unification.

Dr. Nawrocki blends numerous styles and inspirations in her mesmerizing compositions.  Architecture—notably Art Deco and Streamline Moderne styles, are of great interest to the artist.  The use of modern materials such as metal, glass, and clear film act as a bridge between these two schools of design, melding into the signature abstract structures quintessential to her style.  The glass tints overlaying her renderings aid in its futuristic design elements, casting colorful shadows against the walls, while folded hinges give each work their aforementioned sculptural quality.  All of these elements culminate in “Deco-Lyricism.”

Dr. Nawrocki holds a B.F.A. from Mississippi University for Women, an M.F.A. from the University of Memphis, and a Ph.D. from Mississippi State University, in Interior Design/Art, Interior Design, and Technology Education respectively.  She is currently a professor of Interior Design/Art at Valdosta State University, and is a professional member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and the Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC).  Dr. Nawrocki's work has been featured in over 150 regional, national, and international exhibitions, and she has received 46 awards from her showings.

“Deco-Lyricism” will be open from November 4th, 2022 to February 12th, 2023.  The opening reception for this exhibition is November 4th, 5-8 pm, and will be accompanied by a performance from Hot Tamale: an acoustic duo made up of Adrian Fogelin and Craig Reeder.

Venvi Gallery is located at 2901 East Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32301.  For more information about the show please visit www.venviartgallery.com