Alice Denison: Rx

2025-10-08 11:03:22

(MENAFN- USA Art News)

BOSTON, MA – Gallery NAGA is pleased to present Rx, a solo exhibition of paintings by Massachusetts-based artist Alice Denison.
The exhibition will be on view from October 3 through November 1, at the gallery's location at 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, October 11, from 1 to 3pm, with artist remarks scheduled for 2pm.
The exhibition features the artist's work that merges artistic representation with a therapeutic theme, encouraging contemplation of the connection between nature and art. Denison's paintings are known for their intricate, detailed depictions of plants and flowers. In the Rx series, this botanical interest is framed within the artist's exploration of plants used for medicinal purposes.
The works employ a compositional technique that focuses on a central subject emerging from a dark, undefined background, creating a spotlight effect. This use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, emphasizes the detailed plants, giving them an otherworldly quality.
The presentation features Denison's use of composition and color. In many of the paintings, the color palette is narrow, characterized by vibrant purples and intense greens, creating an evocative atmosphere. This limited color choice, combined with the artist's technical skill, elevates the botanical subjects. The strong presence of vibrant purples and deep greens in the atmosphere also contributes to a sensation that some of the subjects are suspended in a deep, possibly underwater environment.
The exhibition also includes a small series of tondo-paintings created in a circular format. The inclusion of both traditional rectangular canvases and circular tondos offers a varied viewing experience.
Regarding the series, the artist states,“The Rx paintings depict plants that are used to treat symptoms of selected health complaints. The plants have real medicinal powers, but of course a painting of a plant is just a painting. Yet as some ancient cultures believed images could convey the same power as their subjects, so I want these paintings to treat, perhaps to cure. If only.”
Concurrently, the gallery is hosting a small exhibition in the back room featuring paintings by Jonathan Stangroom. Stangroom's works are noteworthy for their unconventional material choice, as most of the pieces are executed on cross-section slices of trees. The subject matter of these paintings is, ironically, also trees. The compositions achieve an interesting balance, appearing both unrefined and possessing a simple sophistication.

Alice Denison Passionflower 2025 oil on linen 50×50′′
photo: John Polak

ALICE DENISON: ONLINE VIEWING ROOM

JONATHAN STANGROOM: ONLINE VIEWING ROOM

MENAFN08102025005694012507ID1110170741

Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.