hidell brooks is thrilled for gallery artist ruth ava lyons whose solo exhibition oceanic alchemies is currently on view at the hickory museum of art through february 8, 2015. the new paintings in the show are in direct response to ruth ava lyon's recent residency studying the great barrier reef off the coast of australia and are mixed media + gold leaf on aluminium. ruth is a huge advocate for enviromentalism and this theme repeatedly surfaces in her work. the multiple layers reflect the dense nature of the reef and provide the illusion of looking through the water.

charlotte artist ruth ava lyons creates impressions of the natural world that explore concepts surrounding man’s negative impact on the environment and its redemption. the effects of global warming creating endangered ecosystems and environmental degradation inform the imagery she develops in mixed media. this new body of work combines underwater photography with painterly handling and is a result of an artist residency at the world famous heron island research station on the great barrier reef, australia.

ruth's new paintings are stunning and her passion for the enviroment radiates through her compostions as if the viewer was underwater experiencing the beauty of the reef in person. please contact the gallery if you have any questions regarding the show in hickory or available paintings by ruth ava lyons.