Rebekah Callaghan
Moon, moon, 27" x 33", Oil On Canvas
"My Mom has often told me there are many seasons to our lives, though she may have been referring to the quote from Ecclesiastes rather than lyrics from the Byrd’s 'Turn, Turn, Turn'. Fittingly, through this body of work, I’ve come to realize this particular time in my life has been about letting go.
"Previous assumptions related to my painting process were replaced by questions and reflections. I swapped heavily observational patterns for a deeper immersion in reaction, interaction, and sentiment. I developed a new trust in my instincts that allowed me to be less concerned with a predetermined final result and more in tune with the process of getting there."
-Rebekah Callaghan
Rebekah Callaghan met the unique challenges of this past year by turning inward, moving away from observation and focusing more on her process and feelings. Callaghan scaled up the plant-based imagery. She played with color and pattern to fit the mood of the painting rather than limiting herself to a faithful adherence to the original source.
The artist’s hand and state of mind is prominent as Callaghan layers, scratches, and paints over the surface of the canvas, allowing the image to evolve in real time. As the artist says, “Some of the paintings are filled with commotion and others peace. They’re a record of what I found in the details of the daytime…responses to particular light, tenor, temperature. They represent my search for a moment of solace in uncertain spaces.”
Found Melody, 48" x 41", Oil On Canvas
Rebekah Callaghan lives and works in Philadelphia, PA. Callaghan graduated from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University and earned her BFA at Tyler School of Art at Temple University. She has exhibited nationally and this is her second solo exhibition with Gross McCleaf Gallery.
