Paula Estey Gallery, A Center for Art & Activism, hosts a stunning solo exhibition called “The Privilege of Breath” by Ipswich photographer Cynthia August through November. The show is open for in-person viewing on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m. or by appointment at the Center’s gallery at 3 Harris St. in Newburyport.
The public is also invited to take part in a special Artist Talk with Cynthia August and her subjects on Zoom on Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 6-7 p.m. at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2941014272 with the passcode: pegcenter.
The title of this show comes from the final sentence of the book Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer: “Our life upon this Earth is a gift; it is our duty to respect what we have been given – and the one who gives us breath.”
“I’m a huge fan of Cynthia’s art,” said Paula Estey. “Her conceptual, magic realist style reveals moments of communion with a spiritual quality, indicating the presence of divinity. During the turmoil of current times, she draws something special from her muses to evoke peace, resiliency, and the healing qualities of nature.”
“I’m not ready to bring color back,” August explains of her decision to create this exhibition using black and white photography.
The photos, available in a variety of sizes, are printed via dye sublimation on semigloss white aluminum. “This show is in black and white out of respect for those who have struggled to breathe this year, and to remind us that there is still much work to be done in order to heal our planet and its people. But I am determined to show that the light still exists, working in concert with the dark to define what is hopeful and good,’” August added.
August is an award-winning photographer who shoots commercial photography and portraits as her “day job” at www.cynthiaaugust.com. She draws upon her background in costume and set design as well as her love of nature for these conceptual and fine art images that use Old Master styles and allegorical themes located in the heart of forests, fields, and bodies of water. She accepts private commissions and offers sessions to support personal transformation and healing post-trauma.
“You can see Cynthia’s artwork online on the gallery’s website or at the gallery. We have taken all steps to provide a safe and clean environment, and masks are required,” Estey said.
The online Virtual Gallery is available at www.paulaesteygallery.com and at August’s fine art website www.luxetumbraart.com. A love offering donation is gratefully accepted to support programming at www.paypal.me/pegcenter.
About Paula Estey Gallery: A Center for Art & Activism
The mission of Paula Estey Gallery: A Center for Art & Activism is to provide our clients and visitors with the transcendent beauty of contemporary art and to be a catalyst for conscious change. We seek to elevate the quality of our community and lives through creative expression, engaging conversations, and committed action. We focus our efforts on the Natural World and embrace a global range of participation for our art and artists.
Visit the gallery at 3 Harris Street in Newburyport, MA or follow us at www.paulaesteygallery.com for events, programming and more. Paula Estey can be reached at 978-376-4746 or paula.estey@yahoo.com.
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