Blooming Into Power Exhibit
created by Denelle Abel
Previously available to be viewed in person
at The Skinny Pancake
1 Steuben St, Albany, NY 12207
Welcome to the "Blooming into Power" exhibit, where art and empowerment intertwine. This captivating showcase invites you to explore the journey of growth, resilience, and strength through a diverse array of artistic expressions. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of creativity that inspires us all. Experience the beauty of blooming into your true potential!
Scroll down to view the description for each featured Depiction.
"Provision"
8 in x 24 in
This poignant artwork displays a scripture from Matthew 6:28-29, beautifully rendered on a floral-decorated panel. The verse, which encourages trust in divine provision and reassurance against worldly worries, particularly about material needs, is artistically integrated with elegant floral illustrations that symbolize the natural beauty and simplicity of the lilies mentioned in the text. This piece reminds viewers of the importance of faith and the reassurance that needs will be met without the toil and worry that often consumes daily life.
“Quicksand”
20 in x 20 in
This compelling artwork depicts a silhouette with an intricate, swirling pattern resembling quicksand around the head, symbolizing the engulfing nature of stress or overwhelming situations. The grayscale palette enhances the feeling of being trapped or stuck, while the texture and depth of the swirls convey the chaotic, all-consuming experience of navigating life's more challenging moments. This piece powerfully aligns with the exhibit's focus on personal battles and the resilience required to emerge stronger from them.
“Overwhelmed”
16 in x 20 in
This emotionally charged piece captures the complexity of feelings associated with being overwhelmed. The silhouette is adorned with a heavy crown of dark flowers, interspersed with lighter blooms, visually representing the weight of challenges and the occasional lightness of relief. The mix of dark and light flowers symbolizes the highs and lows experienced during personal growth and the struggle to remain resilient amidst adversity. This artwork resonates deeply with the exhibit's theme of overcoming personal challenges and emerging empowered.
“Word Search”
20 in x 20 in
This thought-provoking artwork features a myriad of empowering words like "PUSHED," "CALLED," "ELEVATE," and "SPEAKING" arranged in a scattered, search-like format around a central silhouette adorned with white flowers. This visual representation of a word search puzzle emphasizes the discovery and recognition of one's strengths and calls in life. The white flowers strategically placed among the words symbolize moments of clarity and enlightenment found throughout one's journey of self-discovery and affirmation.
“Take Up Space”
10 in x 20 in
This striking piece powerfully conveys the affirmation "YOU BELONG HERE" in bold, white letters on a stark black canvas, interrupted by strokes of grayish white that suggest both erasure and resilience. This artwork is a clear declaration of self-affirmation and the right to occupy spaces without compromise.
“The Diamond Story”
16 in x 12 in
This artwork integrates a powerful narrative with a visual representation, featuring a text that serves as a personal manifesto and a reminder of resilience. The piece includes a heartfelt message, which speaks to overcoming adversity, akin to the process of a diamond's formation—under pressure but emerging brilliant and strong. It uses the metaphor of diamond cutting to symbolize personal growth and transformation, emphasizing the value and rarity that comes from life's challenges. This narrative piece encourages viewers to see their struggles as opportunities to become more precious and valued, just like diamonds.
“Encouragement”
20 in x 10 in
This artwork presents the word "WIN" in bold, white letters on a stark black canvas, interrupted by strokes of gray that suggest both erasure and resilience. This piece is a clear declaration of self-affirmation and the right to occupy spaces without compromise, aligning with themes of self-worth and empowerment. The design features a small, delicate flower used as the period after "WIN," which adds a subtle touch of nature and softness to the assertive message. This flower, typically associated with beauty and gentleness, contrasts with the boldness of the letters, symbolizing that strength also involves nurturing and care—elements that are essential for true victory and personal growth. This juxtaposition enhances the artwork’s message, emphasizing that power and resilience can coexist with grace and vulnerability.
“Beam”
10 in x 10 in
This dazzling artwork features a radiant burst of golden rods emanating from a central, sparkling cluster, set against a dark background. The central burst represents a beacon of light and hope, symbolizing the explosive power of a single, pivotal moment of insight or enlightenment that propels personal growth and transformation. The sparkling cluster at the core is composed of broken mirror pieces, which add a reflective quality, symbolizing self-examination and the fragmented parts of oneself that contribute to whole, renewed identities. The use of broken mirrors suggests the idea that through breaking old patterns and reflecting on one's past, one can emerge stronger and more integrated. This visual metaphor beautifully encapsulates the theme of overcoming darkness with light, knowledge, and self-awareness.
“Safe Space”
10 in x 8 in *
Featuring the silhouette of a woman surrounded by affirming words about deserving and taking up space, this piece creates a powerful visual narrative on the importance of recognizing one's right to safety and respect in all environments. The circular text reinforces the notion of continuity and unending support, encapsulating the journey towards self-assurance and the creation of environments that respect and nurture individuality.
“Impact“
11 ¾ in x 10 in
This impactful artwork presents a striking, silver line drawing of a man and a woman intertwined with tangled lines against a backdrop filled with outlined figures, symbolizing the interconnectedness and influence of individual actions within a community. The depiction of the couple in silver signifies the close relationships and mutual support that are essential in navigating life's complexities. The silver color used for the couple reflects clarity, purity, and strength—qualities foundational to enduring partnerships.
The piece is draped with black organza, adding a layer of depth and mystery to the artwork. The sheer organza overlay suggests the veiling of personal struggles that often remain hidden from public view, yet profoundly shape individual and collective experiences. It also introduces a tactile dimension that invites viewers to look deeper, both literally and metaphorically, to uncover the underlying connections and impacts that personal relationships have within a broader social context. This added element enhances the theme of visibility versus obscurity, exploring how much of our personal impact is seen or unseen by those around us.
“Rooted in Gold”
8 in x 10 in (11 in x 13 in with frame)
Featuring a robust Fiddle Leaf Fig growing from a golden pot, this painting metaphorically represents the value of a well-nurtured foundation. The Fiddle Leaf Fig, known for its hardy leaves and resilience, symbolizes strength and growth in often less-than-ideal conditions, mirroring personal development in challenging environments. The gold pot signifies the rich, supportive environments we cultivate or are cultivated in, fostering growth and stability that allow us to reach our true potential. The resilience and upward growth of the Fiddle Leaf Fig emphasize the themes of thriving despite difficulties and the importance of a solid foundation in personal growth
“Spectrum of Possibility”
8 in x 10 in (11 in x 13 in with frame)
This uplifting piece uses vibrant, multicolored text to deliver a powerful message of encouragement and potential. Each letter, unique in its hue, collectively spells out an affirmative mantra for every viewer, especially young women, reminding them of their intrinsic beauty and capability to achieve greatness. The simple yet bold background serves to emphasize the vibrancy and importance of the message, aligning perfectly with the exhibit’s themes of self-empowerment and individual capacity. The variety of colors used in the text represents the diverse qualities and strengths individuals possess—red for passion and courage, blue for calm and depth, green for growth and renewal, and yellow for optimism and joy. This colorful diversity reinforces the idea that everyone has unique attributes that contribute to their amazing potential.
“Vibrant Renewal”
8 in x 10 in (11 in x 13 in with frame)
This painting embodies the spirit of “Blooming Into Power.” Vibrant yellow and pink blossoms rise gracefully, their delicate forms symbolizing resilience and the journey toward strength. Against a swirling blue backdrop, the flowers emerge from a patterned vase, a symbol of grounding and stability. Each bloom reflects a step forward, a moment of growth and courage found amidst challenges. The interplay of colors and textures captures the essence of blossoming through life’s complexities, celebrating the quiet yet powerful beauty of transformation.
“Crowned in Growth”
8 in x 10 in (11 in x 13 in with frame)
This piece beautifully illustrates personal growth through the natural motif of a flower-crowned profile, featuring vibrant pansies arranged around the silhouette. Pansies are often associated with thoughts, remembrance, and consideration, reflecting the internal process of self-reflection and growth. The range of colors from deep purples and blues to vibrant yellows and pinks symbolizes diversity in experiences and emotions that shape personal development. Purple pansies can signify dignity and calm, yellow ones joy and friendship, and pink ones express affection and caring. Collectively, these flowers highlight the multifaceted journey of self-discovery and the blooming of an individual nurtured by supportive relationships and self-acceptance, which are central to themes of community and self-confidence in the exhibit.
“Overcoming”
12 in x 12 in
This expressive piece features a vibrant orange flower prominently emerging from a background of abstract, swirling patterns formed by rope-like textures. The bloom, central and bold, symbolizes the act of overcoming adversity. Its orange color represents enthusiasm, encouragement, and vitality, which are crucial for navigating and triumphing over life's challenges. The darker swirls in the background convey mystery and the unknown, suggesting the often obscure paths we must navigate in our personal journeys. The contrast between the bright orange and the subdued background highlights the triumph of resilience and positivity over darkness and uncertainty. This piece vividly captures the power of resilience and the beauty of growth despite obstacles, aligning with the exhibit’s themes of personal and communal empowerment.
“Faithful”
14 in x 11 in
This thoughtfully crafted piece features a clock face with the affirmation "GOD! YOU ARE FAITHFUL!" set against a dark, textured background. The clock not only tells time but also symbolizes the timeless nature of faith and the constant reminder of divine faithfulness throughout life's trials and tribulations. The golden accents around the clock suggest a sacredness and value to the passage of time and the steadfastness of faith. This artwork beautifully integrates the theme of spiritual belief and trust, central to the personal growth depicted throughout the "Blooming into Power" exhibit.
“Help”
20 in x 10 in
This stark, evocative piece features the word "HELP" written in bold, white letters against a deep black glitter background, which might appear like a starry sky in photographs but in person emphasizes a sense of depth and the vast unknown. The simple yet powerful imagery conveys a cry for assistance, echoing the feelings of isolation or distress that can accompany difficult periods in life. The glittering background suggests the flickering light of hope amidst darkness, offering a subtle reminder of the ever-present possibility of aid and support. This painting resonates with the exhibit's theme of acknowledging vulnerability and the importance of seeking support in times of need.
“Untitled”
24 in x 30 in
A captivating mix of chaos and order, this painting showcases a whirlwind of colors swirling around a central figure crowned with a golden tiara. The abstract, dynamic background represents the tumultuous challenges faced during personal growth, while the crown symbolizes the attainment of wisdom and achievement through perseverance.
This Depiction was created live during the Art on Lark Art Festival in 2019. This Art Festival was Denelle's introduction as an artist to the Capital Region.
“Forever Reign”
18 in x 24 in
This piece combines traditional African patterns with bold, modern designs to convey a sense of enduring strength and cultural heritage. The intricate geometric shapes and vivid colors celebrate historical continuity and personal identity, emphasizing the power of roots and the pride in one’s lineage within the journey of self-discovery.
This Depiction has been featured in various Art Galleries in the Capital Region like the Albany Barn, Black Dimensions in Art and GifteD's Live Online Art Gallery.
“Afro Bloom”
24 in x 36 in
This vibrant depiction features a silhouette crowned with a lush array of multicolored flowers, symbolizing a flourishing identity that celebrates the natural beauty and diversity of growth. The flowers, vibrant and varied, represent the blossoming of self-awareness and confidence, a core theme of empowerment throughout Denelle Abel's work.
This Depiction was featured in The More Than a Sketchbook Exhibit at The Arts Center of the Capital Region in 2021.
