Jessie Vala (2001, 2002, 2004 and 2006 AD) has a new exhibit on view now, through October 27th, at Motel Gallery in Portland. Jessie's work is always beautiful, insightful and dreamlike. We highly recommend it!
From their website: The title of the exhibition Tortuous Veil refers to Isis' veil, the thin and mutable barrier between the conscious and unconscious worlds. Drawing heavily on ancient myths, Vala explores the fears, powers, violence and destruction associated with four archetypes, the Werewolf, the Zombie, the Shape-Shifter and the Vampire. These conflicts serve as critical allegories for the real-world issues of environmental degradation, over-consumption, mob mentality and political instability.
Vala is fascinated by the menacing and violent side of the human imagination and begs the question, "Why are humans so attracted to brutality and destruction?" In intricate yet minimal drawings, she depicts female heroines caught deep in their interior landscapes, facing the embodiment of their inner demons.