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6 WHAT'S UP! AUGUST 16-22, 2020 Through Others' Eyes Seeing how experience shapes perception FEATURE JOCELYN MURPHY NWA Democrat-Gazette T hough its gallery hours remain suspended in response to covid-19, Fayetteville nonprofit Art Ventures perseveres in its mission to promote the visual arts in Northwest Arkansas through community and artist collaboration, education and offering art access to all with its virtual August exhibition, "The Ways We See." Reflected in the layers of their work, artists reveal how their experiences and culture shape their perceptions of the world around them, or the realms of their imagination. The exhibition can be accessed several ways, including a virtual reality option for those viewers with the appropriate apparatus. The experience takes one through a virtual gallery setting — viewing each artist's works hung on walls throughout the space. Here, four artists offer a glimpse into the ways they see through their artistic lens: Q. How would you describe your work to a viewer? Brennen Duffield: I would describe my work as vibrant, colorful and lively — just how I view nature and the breathtaking scenes I am blessed to see. Hannah Newsom Doyle: My illustrations are generally characterized by their use of color and their ability to convey a narrative. My artistic choices are often driven by my desire to further representation in the imagery consumed by the public. My grandparents immigrated from Taiwan in the '50s, to study in the U.S., so I am a second-generation Asian-American on my mother's side, and white on my father's. I often feel disconnected from my heritage in both directions, which motivates me to represent diversity, especially mixed race and biracial individuals. I understand how important it is to minorities to be able to see themselves in the artwork and stories they consume, as validation that they are seen, and their dreams and concerns matter. Rhee Reamy: Art is about invention and re-invention. It can reveal a certain truth or can change our view of things. Art can unlock positional thinking, shatter taboos and has the power to open our minds and souls. My work centers on taking a normal view of something and finding the mystical or soul of the image, and exposing that insight into a new experience. For example, "Winter Trees" from the virtual exhibition, the entangled black, white and gray are like arteries in all living beings. On a closer look, it's very stylized, but quite organic in its shape and form — a universal theme of life. Even more heartfelt are they to me, because they no longer exist, only in my childhood. The elm trees had finished their life cycle, and I wanted to save those memories in my mind. As the trees grew older, so did I; my landmark is gone. Q. What drew you to the medium and/or materials you work in? Duffield: In college I was a graphic design major, but still had to take several semesters of another art. I chose photography because I originally wanted "What started out as hiking therapy for anxiety, quickly turned into a passion that others appreciated as well," photographer Brennan Duffield says of sharing her work with the world. "Photography also helps alleviate any OCD tendencies I have, which is very evident in the symmetry presented in my work. My hope is that others can also feel a sense of ease when viewing my photos, just as I did creating them." (Image courtesy of the artist) "After moving to the U.S. in 2008 and dealing with the challenging immigration laws, I eventually found my voice through art," Shabana Kauser reveals. "People can relate to stories of strength, determination, hope and courage — these are just some of the traits of South Asian immigrant women in my work." (Image courtesy of the artist) FAQ 'The Ways We See' WHEN — Virtually on display through Aug. 31 WHERE — artventures-nwa.org COST — Free to view; donate to Art Ventures at the website INFO — 871-2722, artventures- nwa.org