Prelude is Marie Mansfield's exquisitely noir-esque exhibition. A master of light and dark; she revels in the small details we often discard in our haste through life. 

A marked departure from her previous work, she seeks to move away from traditional still life compositions, aiming to capture something more elusive—finding inspiration in the minimal, empty spaces that lay in anticipation of being filled.

In this place, an interplay between absence and presence is witnessed. Mansfield invites us to interpret the stories that unfold in these quiet spaces. Central to Mansfield's artistry, her depictions set the stage, awaiting the arrival of players in their unfolding stories. They become the backdrop for untold narratives, and we are left to imagine the scenarios that might transpire next. 

Mansfield challenges the traditional interpretation of beauty. She suggests that a beautiful setting does not necessarily guarantee a positive experience, just as a plain space may conjure a backdrop for a memorable interaction. The simple moments that go unnoticed are instead magnified, elevated to the enigmatic and sublime; gently held in the diffuse glow of low-light. What we see in obscurity is far more compelling than what we see in the light of day.

Mansfield delivers a delicate balance between what is seen and what is left to the imagination, offering a unique perspective on the role of spaces in shaping our experiences. The magic of any given place is not solely determined by its aesthetics but is rather a canvas upon which life's stories are painted.

Anthea Mentzalis
November, 2023