Flower Power Exhibition & Opening Reception (SF)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Exhibition on view from January 11th – March 9th, 2024; Public Reception Jan 11, 6-8pm; gallery hours Thu-Fri 3-6pm, Sat 12-5pm

Join us for the opening reception of Flower Power at Creativity Explored, a celebration of works by CE artist Elana Cooper. Enjoy an evening of celebration, community, and connection at the Creativity Explored Studio.

Flower Power is Elana Cooper’s first solo exhibition at Creativity Explored. It’s a fitting title for an artist who has made a lot out of her love of flowers. The term “flower power” was coined by Allen Ginsberg during the anti-war movement in the 60’s. Ginsberg encouraged protestors to bring masses of flowers to the front lines as a visual spectacle and hand them out to everyone.

In a similar vein, Elana disarms the viewer with her whimsical yet serious flower portraits, which exude a graphic visual power. Her monochromatic works are bold and direct. This work, like Elana, has so much personality. Her artwork pays tribute to her subjects in a personal way, capturing the shape and essence of each flower that she paints. The way a stem bends awkwardly across the paper, or the way she stacks different flower and leaf shapes on top of each other, shows us what draws her attention. There is a tenderness and humanity in her flowers that brings the viewer in.

” I can’t help but think of the Creativity Explored community when I look at the flowers all together, each of us with our distinct personalities, shapes and sizes are reflected somehow in her flowers. I am so inspired by Elana. She has had challenges in her life that she has overcome. Just attempting to make art can be a struggle and takes determination and courage. She is tough, as she is quick to acknowledge. In her art practice, she combines this toughness with tenderness, curiosity and joy. And that’s what this exhibition is about, Elana’s love and joy.”

– Eric Larson, Teaching Artist and Curator of Flower Power

Elana dedicates this show to her late father, Jerry Cooper.
Curated by Eric Larson.

On View from January 11th – March 9th, 2024

Presented by Creativity Explored

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.