INNER STELLAR
CURRENTLY ON VIEW
at The Pratt Museum in Homer, AK
through September 20, 2024
Inner Stellar is a series of painted portraits that honors the experience of reacquainting with ones ‘inner child.’ Artist Marjorie Scholl has painted people in her community and co-created a story-like text to accompany each piece.
Each portrait illustrates someone in their bright essence, holding the weight of their unique ancestry — hardships, healing, and all — with an authentically determined outlook. The figure's posture and gaze convey their true history and committed future and suggests the intergenerational whisperings that lead to insight and strength. Each painting is set in a forest of birch trees, using light and shadow to allude to the adversities and resilience, as well as the loneliness and triumph, that comes from developing the whole self. Each subject has actively participated in the creation of their portrait and the related personal anecdotes. As part of the series, Scholl includes a self-portrait to share her own journey that continues to reckon with generational trauma while reconnecting with her inner child.
The project is composed of 26 large portraits and their stories, 54 smaller portraits, a sound component, and a catalog. The works are currently on view at the Pratt Museum -- see installation images below.
the portraits
audio compilation
Each subject has actively participated in the creation of their portrait and the related personal anecdotes. This musical story of voices reveals a medley within twenty-six stellar muses, sharing an evaluation of thought, attitude, motive and desire.
the newcomers
a series of 54 original paintings
averaging 6" x 7”
The vast history of newcomers to this planet often evokes the wisdom and experience of an 80-year-old woman. However, it's important to recognize the brevity of our lifetimes and how we often carry our pain until the end, which can keep us young in our personal growth. While it's true that spirits that inhabited Earth millions of years ago may make an elder seem youthful by comparison, they too are part of their own journey, transitioning between passing and rebirth. Throughout our lifetimes, we have the opportunity to connect with loved ones, supporting each other through failures and celebration, sharing lives together.
a video walk-through
This short introduction and walk through of the exhibition, Inner Stellar. Cinematographer: Andrew Tomey
