Our first joint solo exhibitions here at Nanny Goat Gallery will feature the poignant narrative work of both Florida-based artist Taryn Riley and Australia’s Heidi Lustig. It is no coincidence that these two remarkable friends and artists were our choices to lead an already exciting list of solo exhibitions coming to the gallery.
Two years ago next month, we first opened as Art Major Boutique, an online gallery featuring the works of emerging artists from around the world. In the spring of 2023 we met both Taryn and Heidi within mere weeks of one another and immediately felt closely connected to them and their beautiful art.
Just one year ago, we held our first online group exhibit, “Works On Paper” which included the work of both Heidi and Taryn. It was so much fun to put together and then that we knew we wanted our future to include a physical space.
Thank you, ladies, for sticking with us and we hope to do you both proud!
Taryn Riley’s “Two Truths and a Lie”
Taryn Riley’s “Two Truths and a Lie” explores her grasp on identity and perception. A fascination with the loaded language of symbols and objects can be seen in teapots, arrows, pearls, and lollipops. Saturated colors are used to articulate mood and serve as a slightly suggestive element. The same blood red that serves to depict a wound is used to rouge a cheek, weaving an element of unease throughout. Taryn (b. 1988) studied painting at Washington University in St. Louis and art education at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA). “Two Truths and a Lie” is her first solo exhibit.
Heidi Lustig’s “Offerings”
Heidi Lustig’s “Offerings” delves deeper into themes previously explored by the artist. “I had toyed with the narrative of birds sacrificing a young maiden in the Australian Bush. For my solo, I wanted to explore this idea further. In this series, birds wield fire deftly while young women allow it, perhaps powerless to this collective community of birds, to complete their rituals, not resisting them.” This narrative becomes personal for Heidi, as well, tapping into “the sacrificial nature of being a woman and mother, the loss of control when it comes to fertility, the ritual that we women go through each month, and the way we submit to life just happening to us.” “Offerings” is the artist’s first solo show, as well.