Thannyo De Freitas and Lisa Meek “BiblioBotany”

Fremin Gallery

This event has ended.

Fremin Gallery presents “BIBLIO-BOTANY” featuring the works of Panamanian artist THANNYO DE FREITAS and Ohio based artist LISA MEEK.

Born in the province of Colón, Panamá in 1976, Thannyo De Freitas Navarro experienced an upbringing in which artistic expression and earthly connection were central. In response to his participation in many artistic competitions throughout adolescence, he was awarded a scholarship to progress academically in Panama City. He obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Panama, specializing in visual arts with a particular focus on drawing and painting. His work is currently exhibited in Panama, New York City, El Salvador, Sao Paulo, and the Dominican Republic.

The contemporary landscapes of Thannyo De Freitas possess qualities that parallel the work of Tomás Sánchez, a Cuban painter widely acknowledged for his modern pastoral depictions. Like Sánchez, Thannyo’s work beholds photographic qualities achieved through sharp detail, the absence of visible brush stroke, and primarily realistic color usage. The ethereal manner in which he portrays nature suggests surrealist undertones. Considering the impactful presence of deforestation in Panama, Thannyo’s depiction of untouched forests and boundless landscapes can be interpreted as a romanticized version of the environment’s dire reality.

A significant portion of Thannyo’s work depicts the Guayacán tree, which beholds the scientific name Guaiacum Sanctum. An alternative title for this flora species is the latin prose Lignum Vitae, which translates to “wood of life” or “tree of life”; nicknamed accordingly because of its great density and strength, as well as its healing properties. From Thannyo’s perspective as a spiritual individual, he finds nature to be integral to human life; the latin translation of Lignum Vitae is an affirmation of this seminal truth.

Thannyo’s immense respect for nature can be witnessed through his artistic attentiveness, as well as his fastidious and recurrent depiction of the Guayacán tree. His connection to the subject is evident when considering his choice to suspend the roots, which can be representative of inherent strength and capability, often imperceivable to the eye, like that of underground roots. This exposure suggests the falsity of external cognizance because true essence is invisible. Even trees of small sizes possess roots that blossom under the surface, broadening in size and connecting those surrounding them. Below the surface lies a supportive network enabling the collective forest to flourish, thus a signification of togetherness and care: a reflection of the artist’s appreciation for familial support and the impactful roots that have shaped his own being.

Thannyo believes strongly in the importance of unapologetic transparency in accordance with one’s inner candor, rather than living blindly in an attempt to appease external pressure. By exposing the roots, Thannyo encourages open expression of self and the courageous act of vulnerability. Art, as well as nature, serve as forms of meditative practice for Thannyo. Through the act of sharing his work, Thannyo grants the viewer access to his inner ethos in hopes of inspiring serenity, energetic stabilization –which can often only be initiated by nature– tenderness for the earth, and heightened care for ourselves.

Lisa Meek’s sculptures, collectively titled Biblio-Botany, possess a duality that is reflective of the artist herself and her eclectic range of interests. As a practicing medical professional with an inherent artistic drive, Lisa Meek has made impactful contributions to
those she interacts with in both office and gallery spaces. The polarity of these worlds conglomerates beautifully, manifesting through her notable success in both fields. Lisa’s pursuit of a dermatological career has always been paralleled with a desire to create, to utilize her artistic prowess in order to share her perspective and initiate important conversations.

This desire has been integral to her experience since early adolescence, when she began acting upon her creative drive by depicting nature scenes. The process in which Lisa assembles her sculptures is quite complex. In order to achieve depth and nuance, Lisa employs
considerable intention throughout the planning process. With great admiration and ponder, Lisa cuts pages out of various literary works which highlight topics she wishes to discuss, human rights often being central. Attention to detail is vital; certain books possess qualities unsuitable for paint and shape manipulation. Every aspect of her work is deliberate; the symbolism associated with color and flower species, the pairing of literature, the minute details of shape and object placement. This layered production process exemplifies Lisa’s contemplative nature.

Prior to 2018, the majority of Lisa’s work was created on traditional canvas. Spurring from her exposure to contemporary mediums, she was able to redefine her creative denotations and expand her personal definition of art. In addition to Lisa’s evolution in artistic association, she also pursued sculpture in order to challenge the viewer through form. Modern life is often synonymous with immediacy due to technological exposure and the virality of information. The constant and rapid influx of information has shortened attentive abilities. Lisa intends to provoke heightened attention through her 3D work, which she believes can be more successful in captivating thought through layered symbolism, as opposed to 2D artwork.

Lisa’s work possesses a duality in purpose; aesthetic pleasure and thematic depth, making her work applicable for those seeking beauty as well as those seeking meaning. This component of her work is paradigmatic of her personal impact. Lisa possesses an attentiveness that can be witnessed through her sculptures as well as her interactions with patients, who speak highly of her genuine care. Lisa is consistently successful in calling attention to topics she deems significant; ranging from conversations surrounding the concept of marriage, the exploitation of resources, the dangers of medical advancement, the environmental crisis, and topics of poverty, etc.

Universally these conversations are often under-acknowledged, but Lisa recognizes that they deserve prioritization. Comparably, Lisa calls attention to the comfort of her patients, ensuring that they always feel cared for. It can be said that Lisa’s greatest strength is her desire to continue learning, as well as her sensitivity with people; allowing her to make all people she encounters feel valued and seen in their experience. The artist currently works and lives in Ohio, USA.