In “Remembered,” Justyna Dabrowski of New Britain, depicts her family history using paint and cloth, with a small, hand-sewn book at the center of the exhibit at 100 Pearl Street. Some of the fabric has been purchased, with other pieces — like curtains — found. An embroidery hoop frames a painted portrait, with uneven, rambling cloth migrating away from focus.
Opening on December 3rd, the exhibit shows interpretations of family photographs. There are depictions of her parents from before she was born, along with renderings of relatives she has never met; thus, some of the faces are left blank. The last time Dabrowski visited Poland she was thirteen, so there are parts of her family where the connections between she and them are thin. Other parts of the works are left blank, leaving it to the viewer to fill in the details.
She says her family has seen her work and is supportive and interested in it. When it comes to the opening reception, it will be easy to pick out those who are in the paintings, she says.
This will be the artist’s first entirely solo exhibit. In May 2015 she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the Hartford Art School, University of Hartford.
The opening reception for “Remembered” is December 3, 5-7 p.m.
The exhibit will be open through January 8, 2016. Gallery hours: M-F, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sat, 8 a.m. – 12 noon.
