Solo show for Marianne Lettieri

Marianne Lettieri has a solo show of new work at The Main Gallery in Redwood City, March 19 to April 20, 2008. The exhibit, called "Outside Inside," shakes up the concepts of freedom and confinement, suggesting that they might be the same. Cages, lanterns and paintings of sky are juxtaposed with familiar objects to create unsettling tension. The viewer will have to question what is outside and what is inside.

"For years I have collected a great inventory of interesting containers to use in my art," Marianne said. "The challenge for me with this series was to work with enclosures that have strong symbolic imagery, but say something unexpected."

The resulting exhibit offers thought provoking and ironic visual metaphor. For example, a red birdcage appears as if it would fly off into the blue canvas behind, if it were not tethered to a chain and barbell. A house shaped sculpture painted with clouds and encased in a wrought iron cloche gives new meaning to the phrase "castle in the sky." These and other pieces in "Outside Inside" reveal what is normally concealed by the placement of objects in such a way that poetic resonance happens.

There will be a reception for the artist on Sunday, March 30 from 4 to 7 p.m. The gallery is located at 1018 Main Street in the historic yellow Victorian cottage. The Main Gallery is open Wednesday through Friday from 11 to 4 and weekends from 10 to 3. For more information, please call the gallery at (650) 701-1018 or visit the gallery's web site at www.themaingallery.org.