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Cindy Bernhard
Take Me to Church
May 11th - June 8th, 2024
Richard Heller Gallery is pleased to present Cindy Bernhard’s second exhibition with the gallery, ‘Take Me to Church’ opening May 11th to June 8th, 2024.
In this new body of work, Bernhard embarks on a symbolic search for truth in the spiritual and mystical world. Employing minimally decorated domestic interiors as settings for the dramas of human existence, the works are full of heightened tensions and sometimes comedic relief.
Bernhard’s animals are stand-ins for humans. Dogs practice yoga in a search for spiritual transcendence, a longing for quietness of the mind. The works often depict moments frozen in time before something happens. For example, the moment before fire from a candle is blown out or the moment right after a vessel is knocked over and water pours out.
Bernhard is inspired by Terrence Malick films and his non sequitur cinematography of intimate conversations between two people juxtaposed with images of the universe. Bright colors are used to heighten idea of something that is of this world, but dreamlike, surreal or in a heightened state of mind.
Bernhard’s paintings explore altered states and mysteries through carefully placed and arranged numinous objects. Equally influenced by historical religious art and contemporary movements, these works are a synthesis of the artist’s longing for understanding and spiritual awakening.
