This past Saturday, I attended the opening of Ariel Davis’ “Cerulean Dreams” art exhibition at The Basement Lounge. It was a delightful experience that left the many attendees both captivated and inspired.
From the moment guests arrived, they were treated to a sensory feast, beginning with a signature blue cocktail adorned with a beautifully crafted twist of lemon peel. This thoughtful touch set the tone for what was to come, indicating the level of attention to detail that Ariel had poured into every aspect of her exhibition.
Ariel drew inspiration from and built upon a piece that she donated to the Make-A-Wish foundation last year, and the collection that resulted from it had an additional layer of depth and purpose as a result. The dominance of denim-like cerulean shades in the color palette, from which the exhibition derived its name, provided a cohesive and visually striking theme that unified the pieces on display.
The choice of iconic figures from the past as the subject matter for Ariel’s collection was both nostalgic and engaging. Audrey Hepburn, Aretha Franklin, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lucille Ball are among the timeless icons she captures, and Ariel’s reinterpretations breathed new life into their images. The animated conversations I overheard among the attendees, as they shared their opinions about their favorite pieces, spoke to the artist’s ability to connect with her audience emotionally.
One standout piece (and my personal favorite), a 12” x 12” portrait of Marilyn Monroe was crafted from a mosaic of blue jean material and paint, was particularly enchanting. This piece not only showcased Ariel’s technical prowess but also exemplified her unique artistic vision, blending traditional and unconventional materials to create something truly special.
The underground establishment in Fort Worth’s Ridglea district hosted a great collection of friends, family, multiple members of the Fort Worth art scene, all intermingled together. Fellow artists such as Ron Taylor Crouch, Nancy Lamb, Bernardo Vallarino, Carol Acedo, and many, many others fostered a sense of comradery and solidarity that is a testament to the strength and unity of the local artistic community.
Ariel Davis’ “Cerulean Dreams” was a spectacular showcase of her talent, creativity, and ability to create art that resonates with her viewers. I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to seize the opportunity to experience this exhibition for themselves and view the many ‘Icons’ that Ariel has brought to life. And based on the number of red dots already on the lounge’s walls, you better get there soon if you want the chance to take one home for yourself!
Cerulean Dreams will be on view through October 14, 2023 at The Basement Lounge + You can view available works here.
To explore more of Ariel’s body of work, visit her website and/or Instagram.
