Wes Mallory Solo Exhibition

Inspirations from Color, Light, and Motion

Boyd’s Station Gallery, 203 E. Pike Street, Cynthiana, Kentucky

February 3 – March 17, 2024

Fridays, 4-8 pm, Saturdays, 12-6 pm and Sundays, 12-4 pm

Special Opening Reception - February 3, 6 pm

Special Event - A Conversation with the Artist - Saturday, February 24, 2 pm

Embark on a journey into the evocative world of Wes Mallory's solo exhibition at Boyd's Station Gallery, where the artist invites you to explore the intersections of memory, imagination, and dreams through his collection of thirty-nine oil paintings. Running from February 3 to March 17, 2024, at the Boyd’s Station Gallery, this exhibition promises a unique perspective on landscapes that transcend the boundaries of specific places.

Mallory, not merely an artist but also a fisherman, hunter, and sometimes solitary wanderer, draws inspiration from his ventures into the serene isolation of Canadian lakes, the vast deserts of the southwest, the expansive prairies of the midwest, and the enchanting north woods. These solitary sojourns have become the crucible for his reflections on the natural world, deepening his appreciation for its grandeur and enigma.

What sets Mallory's works apart is their nature as improvisations, born from the geography of his imagination. These paintings are not rigid illustrations of concrete locations; instead, they are fluid compositions shaped by the artist's memories, imaginings, and dreams. Each stroke on the canvas tells a story that transcends the literal, weaving a narrative that exists solely in the realm of Mallory's creative consciousness.

The focal point of Mallory's artistic gaze is the sky—an ever-moving, ever-changing canvas. It's not a sky tethered to a specific time and place but a sky in perpetual motion, capturing the essence of dawn and dusk. Mallory is particularly drawn to the edges of the day, where light takes on an intensity or delicacy that serves as a testament to the profound beauty found in the natural world.

The exhibition's opening reception on February 3 at 6 pm at Boyd’s Station Gallery marks a special moment to immerse yourself in Mallory's world, providing an opportunity to engage with the artist and gain insights into the inspirations that fuel his creations. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a moment of reflection, Wes Mallory's solo exhibition promises to be a captivating journey into the depths of creativity, inspired by the beauty of the natural world.

Boyd's Station Gallery is delighted to present a special event as part of Wes Mallory's solo exhibition, featuring an engaging conversation with the artist on Saturday, February 24, at 2 pm and will be moderated by esteemed Boyd's Station Artist Guild member Steve Shaffer.

As a fellow artist, Shaffer's perspective adds a layer of depth to the conversation, creating an engaging dialogue that will resonate with both seasoned art enthusiasts and those new to Mallory's work. This unique occasion provides the local community with an exclusive opportunity to delve into the mind of Wes Mallory, gaining deeper insights into the inspiration, techniques, and stories behind his thirty-nine oil paintings showcased in the current exhibition.

Wes Mallory, Painter, Cynthiana, Kentucky

All during high school I sought refuge in literature, art, and outdoor pursuits including fishing and long-distance cycling. The summer of my junior year I took a night class in oil painting and my course was set. I graduated from the University of Illinois with a BFA in Fine Arts, and from the University of Cincinnati with an MFA in Painting.

In 1976, having tired of city life, my wife and I bought 25 acres in Robertson County and, with the help of a friend, proceeded to build our own home. We slept in the back of our pick-up truck under a ‘hop cap’ and my friend slept in a hastily built tool shed. We three spent some incredible nights during a few powerful summer storms, the Perseids meteor shower, and stargazing away from any ambient light pollution up along that ridge. My wife and I worked weekends in Cincinnati raising money for our project. When the house was finished, not having adequate studio space, I taught myself to paint with watercolors. During my years of watercolor painting my pictures were strictly realistic representations of the country - primarily tobacco barns, old houses, and cabins. After some successful showings of my work, I tired of representational painting. We had built a garage with adequate upstairs space for a studio which allowed me to paint in oils and pursue different directions.

After we started a family, finances required me to take an art teaching position in Mason County public schools, where I remained until my retirement in 2005. My wife continued to teach but when she returned to school that fall, I took one of my first motorcycle trips to the Southwest, an area I find very inspiring. Upon my return, I started painting in earnest.

Wes Mallory | 859-588-5609 | Facebook @Wes Mallory Fine Art | https://www.boydsstation.org/wes-mallory