East City Artnotes—Jordann Wine: Deep Space at Honfleur Gallery

DC based artist Jordann Wine has always been inspired by shapes, patterns and movement.  She creates her form-based artwork by using shading and outlining techniques that provide depth and clarity to her painted objects. The current show at Honfleur Gallery in Anacostia has special meaning. Years ago, Wine struggled with deep depression.  According to the artist, it felt like she was living in a literal black hole. In 2012, she managed to explore visual ideas that had been penned up during that period, and in the process was able to heal her mental state of mind.

As you enter the gallery, you notice the large size of Wine’s canvases.  The majority of the paintings show hues of black, greys, golds and some have her signature glitter.  In the middle of the space are triangular nesting benches made of various types of wood with steel frames.   The artist designed these with her brother to not only complement the art, but also to allow the viewer a place to sit and have a quiet moment with the works.

Starting with a triptych of large works, the viewer can experience three distinct variations on the same theme.  Each contains irregular groups of triangles in shades of white, gold and grey, either forming or framing a large circle.  The juxtaposition of color and shading between Eternal Fractal #9 and Eternal Fractal #8 displays the artist’s ability to simulate dimension and motion.  Black Hole is anchored in between these, but is relevant to the theme as the dark black circle has the depth and gravity of its title.

The artist’s signature triangular forms are absent from Folded Space 1 and Folded Space 2 hanging along the same wall.  Instead, here Wine creates crisp vertical and horizontal lines of gold metallic paint on a black background. Upon closer examination, the dark canvas contains subtle concentric squares of metallic and matte paint.  The effect of the squares and the gold bars of various widths draw your eyes to the center like a tunnel.

As you take in the exhibit, the artist’s contemplation of the curation of her paintings becomes evident.  Her thought process in creating a group of works as part of a true series was deliberate, culminating into an experience for the viewer. Each painting provides a different perspective on space. There is continuity between the geometric shapes and the canvases they inhabit. This all comes to a peaceful conclusion with Eternal Reflection.  The concentrated fractals of gold, beige and brown dissipate outwards into soft pastels, fading into the cream background.  The work conveys a sense of calm and tranquility, and stands out in contrast to the dark energy of the rest of the show.

How do you move from living in the hole to acknowledging the hole? Wine found the strength to channel her experience and start creating again.  With this exhibit, the artist reengaged herself with her creative self, and in the process has shown a universe where patterns float, fall and swirl.  She has translated a cathartic experience into one of deep space found in meditation and the contemplation of infinite possibilities.

Deep Space is on view through July 27th, 2019 at the Honfleur Gallery at 1241 Good Hope Road, SE.  For more information, visit www.archdc.com.