Pandora on exhibit in Berlin

Pandora, an egg tempera & oil painting, will be on exhibit at the Strychnin Gallery in Berlin as part of the 'All My Stars' 10 year anniversary show. Also being displayed is the 'Boxed Vanitas', alongside works by other notable artists, including: David Hochbaum, Marina Bychkova, David Stoupakis, Wee Flowers, Seymour, Kris Kuksi, Mark Ryden, Saturno Butto, Mimi S, Chet Zar, and many others.

As the Gallery comments, "For this extraordinary milestone birthday exhibition, “All My Stars”, opening the 16th of August at Strychnin Berlin we will show not only show brand-new works, but will also feature Yasha Young’s personal collection and the gallery’s inventory. Thus, making it a walk through our past, and an insight into our future."

Both Vierling paintings are for sale. Interested collectors may contact the Strychnin Gallery directly.

Pandora. Egg Tempera & Oil on panel. 18" x 24"

The subject of Pandora takes it's cue from Greek mythology, alluding to 'She who brings up gifts from below'. The theme has been portrayed in paint countless times throughout history, from antiquity to the present, being expressed with particular empathy by various 19th century pre-Raphaelites. Vierling's interpretation depicts the moment after curiosity has piqued, the amorphous shades already saturating the atmosphere. 

Boxed Vanitas. Egg Tempera & Oil on panel. 6.5" x 6.5"

The composition of the 'Boxed Vanitas' exalts the trompe l'oeil tradition and was painted from life in the artist's studio. The walnut frame punctuates the illusion, encouraging the viewer to peer into the compartmentalized space, and to ruminate on the delicacy of the mundane.

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Beautifully Strange Exhibition ~ The Firebird

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Zhar-ptitsa - The Firebird

18" x  24"  Egg tempera & oil on panel

 Slavic folklore tells of a magical Firebird that inspires the seeker to embark on a challenging quest wrought with adversity, yet guided by fortune. In these beguiling tales, the mythical creature often leaves behind a singular luminous feather that catalyzites the fateful adventure. King, Fool, Knave, and Warrior all heed the call to meet their destiny on the path illuminated by the evanescent gleam of the Firebird's passing.

The painting takes it's stylistic cue from the bold iconography of russian lacquered artifacts which are traditionally decorated with scenes from myth and legend. The brilliant palette and kinetic forms, set like gems into the glittering ebony field, are here depicted in the manner of nineteenth century ornithological illustrations, wherein the delicate structures of feather and talon are rendered with naturalistic precision.

This union of the fantastic with the mundane kindles a yearning to embark on the hunt for all that is rare and elusive. The search for the unattainable is realized in the vision of the effulgent Zhar-ptitsa.

The Firebird painting will be on display March 29 – April 24, 2013, at the Clement Art Gallery in Troy, New York, as part of the Beautifully Strange show curated by Jon Christopher Gernon. The show features 12 acclaimed artists, including Carrie Ann Baade, Steven Kenny, Caitlin Hackett, and others, whose work is described as, 'exquisite, peculiar, astounding, dazzling, fascinating, mystifying, curious, delicate, magnificent, fantastic, alluring, unusual, enticing and Beautifully Strange.'

 The Window

12" x 12"  Egg tempera & oil on Panel

Also included in the show will be the painting, The Window, whose subject echoes the Aves theme.  The intimate symbolism of the composition is rooted firmly in the romantic-era tradition of the 'Window View', as perfected by painters such as Caspar David Friedrich, Adolph Menzel, and Vilhelm Hammershøi.

Both paintings are offered for sale. 

The show opens Friday, March 29, 6-9pm. Clament Gallery.  201 Broadway Troy, New York 12180 (518)272-6811

For purchase inquiries and more information about the exhibition, please visit the Clament Gallery Website, and the Beautifully Strange Blog.

Die Chymische Hockzeit & CLAVIS

Die Chymische Hochzeit, an illuminated Vierling illustration dating from the first year of the 21st Century, appears in the premier issue of the CLAVIS Journal, co-published by Ouroboros Press and Three Hands Press.
  
"Born of the desire to serve an increasingly sophisticated esoteric community, the journal's pages wed the dual arenas of scholar and practitioner, our aim to serve as a magical resource for years to come. In accord with the Emblem of our work, the journal provides unique access to magical strata and currents of esoteric thought not found elsewhere. Our pages feature Magical Theory and Practice, Hermetic Studies, Comparative and Esoteric Religion, History of Magic, Folklore and newly-emergent fields of syncretic occult praxis."

The Vierling illustration, which depicts the sacred union of male and female principles and is inspired by the theme as explored by Johannes Valentinus Andreä, accompanies an article on the Philosophical Mercury, by the renowned 15th century alchemist, Sir George Ripley.

The Journal will be launched at an event in Seattle, at the Hiawatha Lofts, on March 26th, 7-10 PM. The original Die Chymsiche Hochzeit artwork will be on display. Interested collectors please contact William Kiesel at Ouroboros Press.