Full Bloom: An Exhibition of Work by Susan Swartz

Nature is a constant and integral component of Swartz's work. As a subject of enviornmental disease and advocate for health, Swartz finds healing through nature's abundant resources. Her work bridges the conservation of nature’s beauty with the preservation of humanity. In this continual progression of her artistic and personal journey, the role of nature as a wellspring of vitality transpires through both artwork and artist, instilling a catalyst for hope and well-being.

At the front of the gallery hangs Solitude Released, a vertical painting oscilating between green and yellow hues, applied in thick, upward waves and embedded with small, dried herbs. Nearby a selection of fifteen 12x12" canvases are arranged in a geometric grid. Both the arrangement and thickly painted surfaces errupt forward like a bountiful bouquet. The array demonstrates Swartz's playful, evolving experimentation with color and texture. In each small canvas, she captures the way nature evokes a powerful and unwavering joy in her.

In Evolving Visions 2, broad horizontal and vertical striations merge into an approach that progressed from Swartz's traditional depictions of forests and waterscapes. As the title suggests, the subject is intentionally ambiguous to preserve space for an ever-evolving perspective. Some viewers are reminded of Monet's Water Lilies, others simply of sunlight shimmering on the surface of water.

Spring Muse 8 is a celebration of the exhilarating colors derived from the highly-anticipated “first thaw” after a long winter.  The works in this series represent the many variations of spring, from the last frost to flowers blooming in full. The surfaces appear monochromatic at a distance, revealing complexities of color and depth from a closer perspective.   

Limited edition black and white giclée prints are suspended in front of a raw concrete wall providing natural elegance and serenity.  Nearby, the juxtaposition between the geometry of Nature's Mirage 10 alongside the organic textures of Natural Flux Understudy 8 creates a moment of quiet harmony.

Susan's largest piece from the landmark Evolution of Nature series is hung alongside Contemplation Unveilied. A grand duo in stature, both works call on themes of organic abundance and vitality.

In Water Study 005, a reflection emerges through thin layers of paint. In contrast, dried fruits, flora, and herbs protrude from the opulent yet playful surface of Evolution of Nature 12. 

In all of Swartz’s work, lush textures and brilliant color are a focus when expressing her internal landscape. Swartz paints to communicate her mission - that the natural world and all its beauty needs to be cherished, shared, and protected.

Swartz's paintings have been featured in major solo exhibitions at Galerie Noack in Berlin; the Central Academy of Fine Arts (CAFA) in Beijing; the Manetti Shrem Museum at UC Davis in California; the Russian State Museum in St. Petersburg; the Ludwig Museum in Budapest; the Ludwig Museum in Koblenz; Kollegienkirche in Salzburg; the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC; the Utah Museum of Fine Arts in Salt Lake City; and the Springville Museum in Springville, Utah. Her work is featured in numerous private and public collections around the world. She is represented by Georges Bergès Gallery in New York City. Swartz paints from studios in Park City and Martha’s Vineyard.

Visit Susan Swartz Studios at 260 Main Street in Park City, open 12-7PM daily.