NATHANIEL ARIC GALKA
‘...a world between worlds...”
NATHANIEL ARIC GALKA
A world between worlds...
May 4 - June 9, 2024
Through a universal visual language, my paintings are fables created to communicate moral lessons about how we treat the world in which we exist. Fables are timeless devices to deliver, in a simple manner, what can be understood and enjoyed by viewers of all ages. The fable is one of the oldest and most lasting method of storytelling that is easily communicated through fictional examples with the main characters being plants, animals, birds, and insects.
Nathaniel Aric Galka’s paintings are exquisitely executed depictions of fantastical worlds filled with stylized flora and fauna. The viewer is first struck by their light and beauty, their jewel-like surfaces and deft rendition. But closer examination reveals a darker side to the Edenic imagery. Galka’s work is also about what we, as a civilization, are doing to ourselves and to our planet. “My paintings imply how the human hand is creating a false ecosystem and destroying our planet, starting in our own backyards,” states the artist. “We are taking away what is indigenous and replacing it with ‘ornamental’ plantings. We are destroying the natural order of our own landscape. I am creating ‘post-human gardens’, works about how nature will reclaim its balance once we are no longer here manipulating our planet.” The title of this exhibition, “a world between worlds…” is a poignant message, a warning that we need to look more closely at the minutia in nature, those tiny environments that make up the natural world, and not overlook their importance.
The paintings are filled with historical art and cultural references. One sees Asian influences such as screenpainting and woodblock prints from Korea and China, along with the introspective minimalist works of Buddhist art. Also evident is his love for historical Shintoism floral paintings of 17th-century Japan and the cultural aesthetic of ikebana (Japanese flower arranging). There are also allusions to western European art including the still life paintings of the Netherlands and 19th century Romanticism.
Galka’s works are constructed using Old Masters techniques. Marble plaster gesso is applied to linen wrapped panels. He then paints in oil (sometimes enamel). Shellac India ink is applied with a dipped pen to create calligraphic references towoodblock prints. The final painting is then varnished with two coats of Damar varnish and three coats of hand-polished bleached wax to finish the surface. Galka’s desire in the final paintings is that they feel as if they are historical fragments with a storied place in time.
~In the fertile fields of the mist and stony ground, the rabbit symbolizes the abundant potential for growth and creation. As in the landscape, the gardens of mysterious beginnings in spring, teeming with life, the rabbit’s coquettishly shy appearance reminds us of the fertility within our souls. Awaking the energy within us, offering a reminder of the infinite possibilities that lie before us. Its playful ways tempt us to look inward and nurture our aspirations with admiration and affection for the land that leads to our serenity. Knowing that with dedication and understanding of the symbiotic world we live in, our dreams of a softer world will flourish like the tender thoughts of a child’s imagination.
We must respond with agility, just like the rabbit’s ability to navigate change quickly to secure its safety. We should take heed from the quick response of the rabbits’ willing adaptation and choose to listen and look at this planet and know what we once did needs to change... and fast.
“No need to go down the rabbit’s hole...”, 2024
Oil on marble plastered jute with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
48 x 48 inches
~ The pink lotus is the symbol of rebirth, beauty, and spiritual enlightenment. It makes perfect sense that the ancestors knew the truth of what power this stunning plant expressed without being a selfish force in nature.
Much of the fascination for the lotus through history stems from the fact that lotus flowers are extremely impervious to hardship in the environments they live in, seemingly unaffected by the ever changing dynamics of the world. There is one reason why the lotus is spread to so many corners of the earth: the universe has gifted the lotus flower’s durability as one of the best purifying entities for our water ecosystem... the lotus can resist pollution in the water it grows in! They submerge below the water each night and rebloom in the morning without trapping any damaging residue from their environment, no matter how acidic or dirty it might be. They can even survive under ice for years as long as their roots stay wet. Lotus flower seeds can survive for thousands of years, even without water.
As for the beauty of the snub-nose monkey, it is tinged with imminent loss, unlike the lotus. This brilliant mischievous creature is on the endangered species list. There is empathy as it sits in solitary wonderment, gazing on what is one of the earth’s most prolific plants... knowing that all must be protected or end up as ephemeral memories.
Oh yes... and find Frogie!
“frogie’s swimming hole...”, 2022
Oil on marble plastered jute with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
40 x 32 inches
“What a dandieful day...”, 2024
Oil on marble plastered linen with applied gold leaf and hand polished cold wax
10 x 8 inches
“You little silly little creatures...”, 2024
Oil on marble plastered linen with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
11 x 14 inches
~ The innocence of the fawn, symbolizes naive wonderment and new beginnings. It hides to wait for the right moment to embark on an uncharted life. This new phase promises discovery, to set aside past fear and step forward with optimism and wonder. At the same time, the fawn’s vulnerability represents an intrinsic need for protection, emotional care, and the desire for a nurturing environment for all to flourish... this world is older than compression, but we only have seconds to know its magnificent giving abilities.
“welcome to the fabled forest...”, 2023
Oil on marble plastered jute with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax 43 x 65 inches
“The first time we met, it was springtime...’, 2024
14 x 11 inches
Oil on marble plastered linen with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
“She has moved on...”, 2024
Oil on marble plastered linen with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
16 x 12 inches
~ The wild forest tells us we need to get back in touch with the true land, the microcosm. We need to go back to a time when we listened to the instinct that is in the pit of our stomach, we need to watch the fox and how it jumps with comfortable abandonment through the trees, knowing now how nature’s beauty heals! Foxes can instinctively infer the health of their habitat. For example, many species of foxes prefer restored wildlands that once were farmland, so seeing foxes jumping and playing can be interpreted to show that once degraded fields have been lovingly restored to their original state of being. This is when one knows that there has been success for the ecosystem.
Pay close attention to how foxes hold a duel purpose. There is a more mischievous side, of course, but they can also slip silently into the shadows, morphing into the resilient survivor. They find the ability to exist when the land supports their happiness...
“To walk the future wooded dream...”, 2024
Oil on marble plastered jute with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
70 x 43 inches
“To dance to nature’s buzzing bell’s...”, 2024
Oil on marble plastered linen with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
20 x 16 inches
“finding the warm light...”, 2020
Oil on marble plastered linen with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
8 x 10 inches
“Swinging in the bough of the rose...”, 2024
Oil on marble plastered linen with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
11 x 14 inches
“Please, oh please, sing me a lullaby...”, 2024
Oil on marble plastered linen with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax
16 x 20 inches
~ Constellations have played a significant role throughout enlightened minds in history. The stars and planets have guided every entity through the means of navigational tools, storytelling aids, myth and folklore, and celestial maps. Sadly, their scientific importance has diminished in the modern age. But for many who still believe in the power of a grand universe, the constellations continue to capture our imagination and inspire exploration.
With the golden light of the setting sun fading into twinkling stars, we see and recognize the beauty as having symbolic associations with purity, emotions, warmth, and imagination.
Know that we fight the natural pull of the universe and refuse to understand we are all simply stardust... we are the sun, moon, and the stars.
We are as one with the universe.
“wandering through a constellation of a golden sunset...”, 2022
Oil on marble plastered jute with applied gold leaf, ink and hand polished cold wax 65 x 43 inches
BIOGRAPHY
EDUCATION
2001 MFA, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. Full Scholarship and Fellowship
1998 BFA, Columbus College of Art and Design, Columbus, Ohio. Top Scholarship
1993 Marie Walsh Summer Art Program recipient
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2024 “...a world between worlds...,” Carol Corey Fine Art, Kent, CT
2022 “Rebellious nature,” Leila Heller Gallery, New York, NY
2018 “nature’s walk…,” Perch for Pergola, Kent, CT
“stories of the forest”, Muse Gallery, Columbus, OH
“flat ikebana photographs,” The Gallery at Lillian August, Norwalk, CT
“the promise of lingering…,” The Gallery at Lillian August, Norwalk, CT
2017 “nomadic now”, Gitana Rosa, New York
2016 “wanderland‘” Palos Verdes Art Center, Palos Verdes CA
2015 “bounty” Flatiron Design Collective, New York City, NY
“first forest,” New York City, NY
“twilight light,” Hilton Columbus Downtown Art Space curated by Muse Gallery, Columbus, OH
“nature’s affair,” Curly Tale Fine Art, Chicago IL
2014 “twilight falls gently,” Kai Lin Gallery, Atlanta, GA
“unbridled muses”, Gitana Rosa Chelsea, NYC, NY
2013 “cloud bouncing”, Kai Lin Gallery, Atlanta, GA
2012 “TUMBLE TIME,” Gallery Minerva, Asheville, NC
“Planted HERE!,” KLA2 Gallery, Atlanta, GA (curated by Yu-Kai Lin, Kai Lin Gallery, Atlanta GA)
“Flower to Honey,” KLA2 Gallery, Atlanta, GA (curated by Yu-Kai Lin, Kai Lin Gallery, Atlanta GA)
“Flora Domicile,” Packer Schoff Gallery, Chicago, IL
“The Birds and the Bees, “Muse Gallery, Columbus, OH
“The Wave Hits Happy, “Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge, TN
“a garden for Patrick...,” TVUUC Gallery, Knoxville, TN
2011 “Flowers-n-Friends,” The Small Hall Gallery @ Magpies, Knoxville, TN
“Poppy Talk, “Gallery @ The Lunch Box, Knoxville, TN
“The Altamont Gallery Presents... Nathaniel Galka,” The Altamont Theatre, Asheville, NC (curated by Anna Parker Barnett Consulting, Gallery Minerva)
“Fun with Garden Scissors,” Red Line Gallery, Knoxville, TN
“Blue Room,” Symphony League Showcase House, Knoxville, TN
GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2023
“Think Twice 2023,” Carol Corey Fine Art, Kent, CT
“Holiday Pop Up,” Lelia Heller Gallery, New York, NY
“Frozen Forest,” Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Lelia Heller Gallery, Dubai, UAE
”storyteller,” Leila Heller Gallery, Dubai, UAE
2019 ”Silverline Art Center, New Guild Artist Show, Silvermine, CT
2018 ”outside the box” Gitana Rosa Gallery, Art Factory Studios, Patterson, NJ
”small works” (not)sheep GALLERY, COLUMBUS, OH
”summer rotation/group show #1” Littlejohn Contemporary, NYC, NY
”summer rotation/group show #2” Littlejohn Contemporary, NYC, NY
2017 ”summer group show” Littlejohn Contemporary, New York, NY
”group show” Muse Gallery, Columbus, OH
”group show” Gitana Rosa Gallery, New York, NY
”group show” Muse Gallery, Columbus, OH
2016 ”group show” Hall-Barnett Gallery, New Orleans, LA
2015 ”group show” Hilton Hotel Downtown, Muse Gallery, Columbus, OH
”4 artists’ group show” Muse Gallery, Columbus, OH
”flowers and clay” Curly Tale Fine Art, Chicago, IL
2014 ”diver up” Stray Cat Gallery, New York City, NY
artHamptons”Gitana Rosa Gallery (New York City), Bridgehampton, NY
”krampus show” Curly Tale Fine Art, Chicago, IL
”juicy” Gitana Rosa Chelsea, NYC, NY
”three in nature” Kai Lin Gallery, Atlanta GA
”flower vine” Gallery Minerva, Ashville, NC
”nature” Gallery Minerva, Ashville, NC
2013 ”inaugural show” proto gallery, Hoboken NJ
“show”, 423West Gallery, Los Angeles, CA (Spring 2013)
”2 person, Curly Tale Fine Art, Chicago, IL (June 2013)
IX Florence | Biennale Internazionale, Florence, Italy (November 2013)
2012 ”Affinity, ” Kai Lin Art, Atlanta, GA
”Five in One, ”Weigle House, Knoxville, TN (Curated by Hali Maltsberger)
“The Others” Gitana Rosa Gallery, Brooklyn, NY (September-October)
”PoP, ” Kai Lin Art, Atlanta, GA
”Dog Days, ” Gitana Rosa Gallery, Brooklyn, NY
”Art at The Airport, ” Knoxville, TN
”Illustrative, ” Kai Lin Art, Atlanta, GA
”BLOOM, ” Kai Lin Art, Atlanta, GA
”Metamorphosis: Recycle to Art, ”Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge, TN
”Terra, ” Kai Lin Art, Atlanta, GA
National Juried Show, The Emporium Building (The Cultural and Arts Alliance), Knoxville, TN (award Best in Show)
2011 ”SIDESHOW, ” Muse Gallery, Columbus, OH
”A Show of Teachers, ” Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge, TN
”GLOW, ” Kai Lin Gallery, Atlanta, GA
”New Artists, ” Plum Gallery, Knoxville, TN
”Bring on The Bling, ” Muse Gallery, Columbus, OH
”Art at The Airport, ”Knoxville, TN (November-May)
”OPENSHOW, ” Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge, TN (award Best in Show)
”reUsed, ”Gallery @ The Lunch Box, Knoxville, TN
2010 ”ARTScapes, ” Knoxville Museum of Art, Knoxville, TN
”On going, ” Redline Gallery, Knoxville, TN
2009 “4” Arts Tonight, 8Shooters Gallery, Knoxville, TN
2008 ”March, ” Three Flights Up Gallery, Knoxville, TN
2007 ”June Show, ” Three Flights Up Gallery, Knoxville, TN
2003 ”Rope Climb, ”Packer Schoff Gallery, Chicago, IL
2000 ”Group, ” Dittmar Gallery, Evanston, IL
1999 ”Red, ”Dittmar Gallery, Evanston, IL
1994-99 ”Annual Show, ” Outside Juried Competition, Columbus, OH
TEACHING
Northwestern University, Evanston IL: Drawing, Photography 1 & 2, Conceptual and Theoretical Practice
Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge TN: Watercolor, Still Life Drawing, Mixed Medium, Painting-Beginner through Advanced, Figure Drawing-Beginner through Advanced, Landscape Painting
Rusticus Garden Club, Bedford NY: Digital and Smart Phone
Photography
Bedford Garden Club, Bedford NY: Digital and Smart Phone Photogrpahy
New York Botanical Society, NYC: Upcoming Next Year
Silvermine Art Center, Silvermine (New Canaan), CT: Master Class Workshop/Invited Artist
PUBLICATIONS
Wilbrun, Alexander, “Celebrating our Local Galleries,” Towns & Villages, LJMN Media, May 2024
MIller, Gia, “A Fairy Tale Reality,” Connect To, May/June 2024.
Super 100 Artists, 2024
Open Space. May 2023
Kinsella, Eileen, Artnet News, March 2022
Artnet News, November 2021
Wall Street International, March 2021
Newell, Noelle, “The painter as the story teller,” Meer, March 9, 2021.
Connors, Thomas, “Magic And Meaning Blossom In The Work of Artist Nathaniel Galka,” Aspire Magazine, April 2020
Studio Visit Magazine, December 2017
Connecticut Cottages and Gardens Magazine, February 2017
Studio Visit Magazine, Spring 2012
The Pandorian, London, England
Art Initiative Verfhond, Amsterdam, Holland
CORPORATE COLLECTIONS
CJD Enterprises, Los Angeles, CA
Coca-Cola, Atlanta, GA
DeAngelis Ltd, Glen Head, NY
Hilton Hotel Downtown, Columbus, OH
Hope Center, Nashville, TN
Horizons Organization, Chicago, IL
Oak Ridge Art Center, Oak Ridge, TN - Contemporary Collection
Pilot Oil, Knoxville, TN
Tennessee State Capital Building, Nashville, TN
The Pentagon Building, Washington DC
WNCAP, Ashville, NC
Published in conjunction with the exhibition: Nathaniel Aric Galka: “...a world within worlds...”
Carol Corey Fine Art, Kent, CT
Catalogue © 2024 Carol Corey Fine Art
Works of art © 2020-24 Nathaniel Aric Galka
