"No Strings Attached" by Debra Lott, Oil on Canvas, 48x48in, 2018
Debra Lott’s most recent Artist’s Statement begins by recognizing that she, “is recognized for her figurative paintings that feature and uplift women. “ It’s a true enough statement, and the observation of her women is filled with tenderness and vulnerability. Because her human subjects are always female, one might imagine that she views these characteristics as inherent to women, yet an extended view of her work somehow expands our sense of her themes to be more universal than that.
In her most recent exhibition at Pyro Gallery, Lott places her work in the context of the current “#METOO” movement where she, “reveals pivotal moments when women break free from the culture of sexual harassment.” In these images, the artist once again makes the connection between that vulnerability and how it is the root of strength and resiliency. We grow from the recognition of our frailty.
“For me this exhibit encourages victims, gives them a voice and promotes healing and hope. The inspirations for this series are the women breaking the silence of sexual abuse. They are the community of survivors who are in the process of healing and moving forward together. “
“The subjects of these paintings represent ‘The Silence Breakers’. I’ve incorporated white ribbons and cords into the paintings as symbols of bondage –the ‘attached strings’ that have manipulated women and muffled their voices. The ribbons are unraveling; they are breaking. The paintings celebrate women standing together, leaning on and aiding one another to encourage healing.”
"Breaking the Ties That Bind" by Debra Lott, Oil on Canvas, 36x72in diptych, 2018
Lott’s new exhibition, #MeToo "From Silent to Resilient" - New Paintings by Debra Lott, with guest artists Meg White and Rachel Gibbs, runs September 6 through October 20, 2018, with a First Friday Reception on September 7th 6:00 - 9:00 pm, and a Sunday Afternoon Reception September 9th 1:00-4:00.
Selected Adjudicated Exhibitions:
2017 - Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, OAG 55th Juried Exhibition, Owensboro, KY, February 25-April 14, 2017 - Lexington Art League, Demographically Speaking, A Figurative Exhibition, Lexington, KY, January13-February 12, 2017
2016 - Art Comes Alive 2016, ART Design Consultants Inc. Cincinnati, OH, July 23-August 29, 2016 Figurative Artist of the Year Award
2015 - The Chautauqua National Exhibition, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY 1/26/2015-2/20/2015
Hometown: Lake Worth, Florida
Education: MAT with a concentration in painting, Florida Atlantic University, a BA in Art Education, Palm Beach Atlantic University
Gallery Representation: PYRO Gallery
Website: debralott.com/
Scroll down for more images
"Breaking Point" by Debra Lott, Oil on canvas, 20x30in, 2018
Written by Keith Waits. Entire contents copyright © 2018 Louisville Visual Art. All rights reserved.In addition to his work at the LVA, Keith is also the Managing Editor of a website, Arts-Louisville.com, which covers local visual arts, theatre, and music in Louisville.
