Vanessa Ly & Abbi Lione
June 1 - July 30, 2010
Two artists explore both the complementary and disparate aspects of their work in “When Indulgence Meets Obsession,” the latest exhibit at the MATV Gallery, on display from June 1 to July 30. Viewers will be struck by Abbi J. Lione’s vibrant colors and emotion-filled faces, meanwhile being drawn in for a closer look at Vanessa Ly’s crafted details in black ink. Abbi has long had an obsession with loose, abstract figure drawings, and Vanessa considers the time she spends immersed in drawing to be an indulgence. The two women, who became friends while working together at the Lawrence Extending Day Program (LEDP), are excited to be exhibiting this diverse collection of art together.
Vanessa, who says that this collaboration “motivates both of us to produce more work and help define our style of works,” was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and has lived in Malden for the past 23 years. She began taking drawing classes at John's Art Institute of Boston when she was 10 and continued through her senior year of high school. She went on to attend Rhode Island School of Design, receiving both a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree and a Bachelors of Architecture Degree. Vanessa works primarily in ink, creating detailed black & white line-work drawings that may refer to political and environmental issues, or may revolve around what she calls the theme of candy and sweetness. Much of her art is inspired by what she observes while out walking around or while watching television, and the work of urban/street artists also catches her eye.
Abbi, originally from North Andover, MA, and now a resident of Boston’s North End, can also trace her artistic beginnings to childhood, thanks largely to a close family friend who was a professional artist. She went on to study Art Education at the University of Vermont, and she finds herself inspired by the creative energy that is around her, including her LEDP kindergarten and first grade students, whom she considers “among the most creative individuals I know!” Abbi, who gravitates towards figures and faces, works in various media, including acrylic and oil paint, graphite, and occasionally oil pastels. She is always experimenting to create different textures through painting and mixed media.
Although the two artists have not exhibited together previously, both have shown their work to the public: Abbi at Boston restaurants Goody Glovers and Ned Devine's, and Vanessa at such Boston area shows as Window Arts Boston and Window Arts Malden. Vanessa is also a winner of the EDJE Skateboard Art Challenge.
The public is invited to attend the exhibit reception on Friday, June 18th, from 7:00 to 8:30pm. Viewing hours are Monday–Thursday, 10am-9pm; Friday, 10am-6pm; and Saturday, 10am-2pm. Handicapped accessible, Malden Access Television is located at 145 Pleasant St. in Malden Square.
All paintings on left by Abbi J. Lione. Also visit www.ajlione.com.
All black ink drawings and skateboard, on right, by Vanessa Ly.
(Interview and article by Leslie A. Weston)
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Gallery Spotlight: When Indulgence Meets Obsession
Click on "Play" below to see a 12-minute video about the artists and their exhibit.
