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Surface Gallery presents "Just an Old Fashioned Love Song" featuring new work by artist K8e Orr. Join us for an opening on Friday, February 7th 5-9 pm. The exhibit will be on display through February 28th.About the exhibit:
In her show “Just an Old Fashioned Love Song”, K8e uses iconography that evokes tales of euphoric feelings of love had, and the desperation of love lost reflected in the human experience. Both love and hate are intricately linked in the brain and share overlapping neural circuits despite being opposite emotions. This show is about the complex relationship between these feelings. They are both processed through the same region of the brain, the insula. This brain region helps regulate emotional experiences, such as physical and visceral reactions tied to strong emotions. The overlap may be due to the evolutionary importance of both emotions in forming and maintaining relationships. Love fosters connection and cooperation. Hate can arise, becoming a protective mechanism against perceived threats and betrayal. Both emotions require focus and motivation which is why they share some of the same neurological pathways. This proximity helps explain why strong emotions in relationships can shift her from love to hate and vice versa. The transition between the two often feels intense because the same brain systems are being engaged, just in different ways. Understanding this connection highlights the nuanced nature of human emotions and their shared foundations. Love and hate are choreographed by the same neural music. Not strangers but siblings sharing the stage, both with performances that are captivating and consuming. They act as mirrors reflecting our deepest longing and fears. To feel one, we must risk the other, and when we open our hearts to connection we are always inviting the possibility of rejection. Within this paradox lies the beauty of being human - the courage to embrace love knowing it dances hand in hand with its darker sibling, creating meaning from the exquisite tension between the two.
About the Artist:
K8e Orr is a dedicated artist and community leader based in Manitou Springs, Colorado. With years of experience, she has significantly contributed to the local art scene through her creative endeavors and educational initiatives. K8e operates Jibwa Studio, located inside the Manitou Art Center, where she creates and showcases her work. The studio is known as a place "where happiness is handmade," reflecting her commitment to crafting pieces that bring joy and curiosity to others. She has always drawn inspiration from the natural beauty and vibrant spirit of her community. Known for her evocative use of color and her ability to weave stories into her work, she focuses on recurring themes of resilience, interconnectedness, and the universal need for love. She brings a depth of symbolism that deeply resonates with the viewer and provides a profound reminder of the power of art to heal, connect and inspire. Her art transcends conventional boundaries by reinterpreting cultural elements in contemporary ways, using a variety of materials and techniques. This innovation bridges the gap between honoring heritage and exploring new artistic boundaries. K8e is a storyteller and the narratives she incorporates into her larger installations invite viewers to explore and interpret these stories in their own way. K8e's work resonates because it’s personal yet universal. It reflects her joy, struggles, and commitment to uplifting others. This emotional depth, paired with her artistic skill, creates a connection that leaves a lasting impression on those who encounter her art.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
2752 W. Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO, United States, Colorado 80904
