FERRARA SHOWMAN GALLERY is pleased to announce the gallery premiere, solo exhibition of Jackson, Mississippi-based painter Ginger Williams Cook entitled Abundance of Apollo: The Celestial Gods, Goddesses, and Heroes of Greek Mythology. Cook’s work was first exhibited at the gallery in 2023 as a jury-selected finalist (and subsequently grand prize award recipient) of the 27th Annual NO DEAD ARTISTS International Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Art. On the heels of her acceptance of the awarded solo exhibition, the artist immediately embarked on this new series of works inspired by astrology through the lens of Greek mythology.

The resulting paintings retain her characteristic gestural technique, vibrant hues, romanticized and historical figures, and idyllic landscapes. These twelve portraits survey the complete zodiac cycle, punctuated by a large-scale painting of Apollo – the namesake of the exhibition - encapsulated by the celestial chart and his bounty. The exhibition will be on view from 10 December 2024 through 8 February 2025 with an opening reception on 4 January 5-9pm and closing reception on 1 February 5-9pm in conjunction with the Arts District New Orleans’ monthly First Saturday Gallery Openings.

Cook says of this new suite of paintings…

This series of paintings delves into the rich tapestry of Greek mythology associated with the twelve zodiac signs. Inspired by each sign's elemental qualities and seasonal atmospheres, I assigned a range of color palettes to evoke the essences of fire, air, earth, and water through vibrant hues, dynamic contrasts, and energetic mark-making. The dynamic figural interpretations of mythical tales further enrich this exploration.

As seen in the works of artists like John Singer Sargent, Maxfield Parrish, and Erté, there is a timeless fascination with the cosmos and its mythological connections. The zodiac signs provide an ideal framework for a series, offering a structured design brief open to interpretation. The imagery in my work is sourced from Greek iconography, Neoclassical accents, and imagined natural elements.

As this series developed, I immersed myself in the natural world, observing seasonal changes and celestial phenomena like catching a glimpse of the technicolor auroras in Mississippi. I looked to the stars for guidance, drawing inspiration from the captivating stories of gods, goddesses, and heroes. The flawed nature of these divine beings, their strengths, and their weaknesses resonate deeply with the human experience.