SOLO EXHIBITION | SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Altamira Fine Art Scottsdale is pleased to present a new exhibition for Kenneth Peloke, Inner Resolve, January 18-30, 2021.
Join us for an Artist Reception Thursday, January 21, from 7-9pm at our Scottsdale gallery.
INNER RESOLVE
In Cinderella, the horse is staring at you. Sometimes titles elude me. Not in this case: the horse felt wild and soft, as though he hasn’t yet been given attention. Like an overlooked person or someone staring down doubt, knowing who they are, believing in themselves. I see a bit of myself in the painting. For me growing up, I knew I wanted to do something different, but I had doubts along the way. Right now, during the pandemic, people are finding time to rediscover who they are and what they truly want to do. I became an artist because I was forced into it; I worked regular jobs like everyone else because that’s what I felt like I should be doing. Then the recession came in 2008 and the business I worked for closed down, which made me focus on art. Once I realized that my goal was somewhat attainable, I didn’t take no for an answer. Such determination courses through Cinderella stories, of trusting that there is going to be a way through the hard times. From that perspective, Cinderella becomes a microcosm for 2020 and for what people might be going through right now.
As often happens, the reference for this painting found me randomly. I was searching online for a black horse, scanning posts from around the world. For years, I painted horses running in a certain direction. Looking back now, that focus seems hinged on freedom. After years of working for and with people, I knew I needed to be alone and explore myself. That sense of running away was part of my subconscious, and therefore came up a lot in my work. Most of my early paintings feature horses running. Now, it’s not so much about running, it’s more about presence. Like any form of intense eye contact, there’s mystery in a horse staring at you. In this moment, I feel OK about not knowing everything, holding the horse’s gaze.
Recently, I’ve been experimenting with two different techniques. The first: Tackling smaller pieces. I’ve always been intimidated by smaller works, but now, I’m feeling more confident about painting small. The second experiment involves my abstract cowboy pieces. I’m letting myself be more gestural and free, not so constrictive in outline. I’m loosening up. This approach aligns with my temperament; for the most part, I’m easy going and the work is beginning to reflect that.
This was the best year I’ve ever had, which makes me feel at peace with the effort I’ve invested over the years. I used to put pressure on myself to do this, paint that. Recently, I’ve come to the understanding that being an artist is a process, one that I’ll be exploring for the rest of my life. I used to let each piece define me, holding myself to the standard that every painting should be fit for a museum. Even though this remains my goal, I’m giving myself the freedom to paint what I want to paint, try new things and not feel rushed.
Pre-sales available.
Contact the gallery for details: az@altamiraart.com, (480) 949-1256.