Gina Palmerin / Icons and Legends

In Gina Palmerin’s solo show, “Icons and Legends”, the artist brings together her two portfolios: “Picture Day, The Icons”, and “Legends”. In these paintings, each subject poses for a contemporary style portrait, bedecked with both current and historic adornments, which serve as a tribute to their lives and give an account of their fame. “Icons and Legends” specifically highlights a selection of pop culture icons and classical Greek and Roman figures. 

Palmerin’s “Icons” collection is reminiscent of an elementary school yearbook photo. This collection features pop culture icons transformed into colorful surreal children’s portraits with an “attitude.” 

The collection of paintings in Palmerin’s “Legends” is inspired by classical art paintings and sculptures, which are first grounded in their traditional historic poses, and then paired with bold and energetic contemporary design, merging historic and modern visual elements. 

Palmerin notes, “My inspiration is to modernize the iconic and the classic by expressing myself with vibrant color and captivating and interesting compositions. 

My initial inspiration for ‘Picture Day, The Icons’ was to create a memory of a time, when social and political ideologies didn’t seem to exist. As this collection evolved, I realized that I had captured this moment, a snapshot, a picture of some of the biggest icons in recent history at that magical elementary school age, playing on the playground, just like you and me.”

Palmerin’s works will be on view at Sparks Gallery from March 20 through May 8, 2022.

We invite you to join us in the gallery on Sunday, March 20, 2022 from 1-4pm for the Opening Reception. RSVP here: https://sparksgallery.com/rsvp?eid=32141

Regular gallery hours M-F 12pm-7pm, Saturday 11am-7pm, Sunday 11am-5pm