We are all performers and we are all performing, all the time. This is the theme that breakout artist Teri Wing tackles boldly and beautifully with her first solo show Counterpart on exhibit at Studio22 Open Gallery from October 29th to November 30th. For the moment, the emerging artist’s work is so accessibly priced that Studio22 has a challenging time keeping her work on the walls and this show is expected to sell well.

Counterpart is a new body of work that was inspired by the many faces or masks we, as human beings, wear each and every day.  Whether these masks are worn for protection, disguise, performance or entertainment we wear them because we feel they help us create a “better” version of ourselves that will be more socially accepted, less judged and ultimately validated. How many of us have pretended to be strong even when our troubles have felt so big and our faith so small? Human beings are wonderful actors.  Our masks help us get into character and we call on our counterpart as needed to act out the scene as the script requires. 

Common themes in the paintings are of a theatrical quality.  The masks, mirrors and birds are symbols of protection, transformation, truth and self realization. I use neutral shades, soft edges, and little detail, so that the art speaks quietly and simply, welcoming and allowing you to get inside and discover what each piece means to you. – Teri Wing

Counterpart, which is hautingly melancholic – yet, at the same time, unwaveringly hopeful in nature – quietly confronts the viewer with the question “Why are we so afraid to be authentic?”. The exhibit challenges the audience to examine the habitual masks we have developed for ourselves as well as hints at the ‘what if’ of letting our guard down, acknowledging our limitations, revealing our imperfections and embracing our vulnerabilities.