Artist’s exhibit offers colorful reflection, rumination

Published 8:38 am Tuesday, February 6, 2018

Dwayne E. Parker, an African-American visual artist from Winchester, has an exhibit of paintings and drawings in the reference section of the library throughout February.

Parker is the cousin of Clark County Public Library’s circulation manager Alesia Jones. She introduced me to him last November. Thank you, Alesia.

He is originally from Winchester, but had been living in Texas for the past few years and recently moved back to the area.

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Parker is a completely self-trained artist. That probably accounts for his eclectic, individual styles. Plural styles because Dwayne creates many different kinds of work: realistic, expressionistic, illustration, black and white and festive colors.

His drawing “In the Spirit” is an exuberant homage to singers. The female singer in the picture is conjuring dolphins, butterflies, angels and a female rock and roll duo in a beam of light through which a dove flies. There is all kinds of spirit in this picture.

Parker can do powerful pencil work depicting everything from buff and aggressive superheroes to mystic trance. He uses a broad color palette, everything from cool jazz blues to vivid Tex/Mex reds, golds and ochres. There are even yellow pop beads and cameos in a romantic painting titled “Inseparable.”

But don’t get the impression Parker’s work is simply eye candy. Some of his images ask viewers to question their assumptions and ruminate on the image.

It’s the best kind of art show, one that makes you see and think.

Parker’s show is a great reason to come to the library. Bring your friends.

The art is displayed on top of the bookshelves surrounding the reference department.

Give yourself time to take in the show. The reference reading area is one of the most comfortable and pleasant places in the library to rest and read or to simply sit.

Right up there with reading and snacking is reading surrounded by good art. Enjoy a wonderful afternoon in the library’s reference section enjoying the paintings and drawings of Dawyne E. Parker.

There is a bunch of other stuff happening at the library this week, too:

— At 10 a.m. today, Internet I. If you have no computer experience or you need to brush up your Internet skills, this is the class for you. You must register to attend by calling the library at 859-744-5661.

— At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Kentucky Picture Show presents a 2017 film about Queen Victoria’s unlikely friendship with a young Indian clerk named Abdul Karim. Rated  PG 13.

— At 7 p.m. Wednesday, librarian Jeff Gurnee prompts you to scour the cobwebbiest corners of your memory with trivia challenges at the Engine House Pizza Pub.

—At 10 a.m. Friday, Write Local. A free haiku with every membership.

— From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Outside the Lines Adult Coloring makes the day brighter and your week more serene.

— At 1 p.m. Saturday, beginning Tai-Chi. Tai-Chi is an ancient Chinese practice of flowing movements and breathing techniques that promote good health, flexibility and mental calm. Learn basic techniques at this class. Please dress in comfortable, loose clothing. Helen He, a Chinese language teacher at Strode Station and Shearer elementary schools will lead this class.

She will be joined by her father who has been researching and practicing Tai-Chi for more than a decade.

Have a swell week.

Come to the library and get your Chi flowing.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.