Meridith McNeal: A Portrait of My Mother

On Sunday I went to an incredibly beautiful exhibition at Kentler International Drawing Space. Spotlight on the Flatfiles featured a body of work by Meridith McNeal, Portrait of My Mother. One wall of her exquisite watercolors features small painting of items that once belonged to her mother. These keenly focused works are each unique, and you feel the presence of the person who owned the simple, lovely objects. McNeal's eye for detail captures not just the texture of an item, but the subtle texturing of all our possessions from the years we handle them and use them -- that is, what they reveal about us. McNeal's mother passed a little over a year ago, yet the force of the woman was keenly felt.

Also in the exhibition are selections from McNeal's series on windows. These larger pieces expertly engage light and reflections and transparency of fabric with a delicacy that is stunning.  The images in the paintings are framed with specificity that is mysterious and inviting. I have long admired Meridith McNeal's artwork and this exhibition shows the full force of her talent.