This collaborative exhibition between Archway Gallery artist Denise Giordano and guest artist Fatima Donaldson concludes a journey initially inspired by a Georgia O’Keeffe Exhibition in Houston in 2021. Enticed by O’Keeffe’s statement, “To see takes time,” the duo embarked on an investigative road trip to Santa Fe, in order to look closer at O’Keeffe’s work, philosophy, and life. It was during this study that they were individually inspired to look inwardly at themselves and their personal artistic journeys.

Despite being an exhibition fueled by two very different voices, Look Closer highlights the similar life ideologies shared by Giordano and Donaldson. In their reminiscent, ethereal, dreamlike visuals, we are invited to flit between our conscious and subconscious, whilst cherishing and embracing the fleeting moments, as well as the passing of time. This exhibition exudes an elegant sophistication; it is delicate, finite, and feminine, with a fragility which suggests that we examine the fragments of our lives which have made lasting impressions. In addition to their solo pieces, this exhibition includes a series of collaborative works which blend these two unique voices and their individual techniques.  

Working with an extensive fusion of organic natural media, including papers, fibers, and threads, Giordano bridges the gap between sculptural 3D work and 2D pieces. Her practice includes tearing and burning, working with smoke and soot as a medium, the perception being that nothing lasts forever; that everything and everyone evolves and is shaped by life’s happenings. Giordano is fascinated by erosion and how its effects can give a new altered life to an object. She sees this erosion as an analogy of the human condition. “Your artwork is you, and you too shall change,” she states. Using digital imagery, as well as her sculptural work, demonstrates her artistic versatility to see the world from different perspectives.

Donaldson’s photographic images execute a precise introspected view of the world, with a parallel inspired by the tenacity and boldness shown in the work of O’Keeffe. Capturing the lasting impact of a subliminal, timeless glance, whilst emphasizing treasured moments is the objective. Photography is Donaldson’s form of meditation, and this state of mind results in the creation of atmospheric, soothing images. Taking and developing photos began as a childhood passion; her exploration of darkroom practices and techniques paved the way forward with an understanding accomplished only from experience. “I love to capture a moment, a moment of being,” she explains, inviting the viewer to find calmness and stillness while asking themselves, “How does it make me feel?”
 
Denise Giordano advanced from a Wall Street corporate career to living an artist’s life. Her collectors span the United States and overseas. Notable exhibitions include the Visual Arts Alliance’s 36th, 37th, and 38th Exhibitions, respectively selected by jurors Laura Rathe, Harry Cooper, and Lester Marks; The Hunter Museum of American Art; The Big Show 2017 at Lawndale Art Center; and the Rockefeller Flag Project, where her selected Freedom Flag is now part of the Rockefeller Center Archives Collection. Giordano joined Archway Gallery in September 2020; this is her first Archway Gallery exhibition. View her work at www.giostudioart.com. 
 
Fatima Donaldson has a corporate background in marketing, advertising, and large-scale exhibition, and a further successful career in commercial photography. Now focusing on her fine art photography, most recently she has exhibited in The Big Show at Lawndale Art Center, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, Fotofest, as well as solo exhibitions throughout Texas and for five consecutive years has exhibited at Lange Twins Winery, California. She has been the juror for the Bayou City Arts Festival and the State Judge for the Texas PTA Reflections Program in 2011 and 2015. You can view Fatima’s artwork in her gallery, Studio 217, located in the Silos at Sawyer Yards, and at www.fatimaphotography.com.