In a stressful and deeply challenging time, artist Ran Adler offers us a beautiful, peaceful and inspiring exhibit experience at BIG ARTS. “In Praise of Shadows,” featuring his organic sculpture work, is on display in the Dunham Family Gallery through March 14. You can also experience the show from the comfort of your own home by visiting bigarts.org, where you can take a virtual stroll through a high-definition 3D rendering of the gallery. Along with the virtual gallery, there is a video artist talk in which Adler discusses the exhibit, his inspiration and his artistic method.

“This is a show unlike any we’ve had at BIG ARTS before,” said Programs and Gallery Manager Lauren Huff. “Not only does Ran create incredibly intricate works of art that are beautiful to look at, but his use of light, shadow and music in the gallery create a really unique and immersive experience.”

Ran Adler is described as an assemblage artist, utilizing natural materials and other elements of nature to create sculptural compositions. In this exhibit, Adler sought to create sculptures that would cast shadows that speak to the gallery space. The combination of sculpture and shadows creates a unique work of art that is left to the interpretation of the viewer.

“I would hope that people will leave my show with a feeling of calm, always an intention in my work, to create a sense of calmness,” said Adler. “Hopefully, they feel that they are seeing something new to them or another interpretation of something familiar.”

You can view Ran Adler’s “In Praise of Shadows” exhibit between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Masks are required and there is a 25-person limit in the gallery. BIG ARTS is located on 900 Dunlop Road. For more information, please call the box office at 239-395-0900 or visit bigarts.org.

ABOUT BIG ARTS

BIG ARTS, established in 1979, is a nonprofit organization devoted to providing quality artistic, cultural and educational experiences to Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors. Visit www.BIGARTS.org to learn more about our 2021 Season, and don’t forget to visit us on Facebook!

BIG ARTS is practicing the highest standards of safety during this challenging time. All visitors are required to wear masks throughout the facility. Please be sure to put on your mask before entering the building. We ask that you are mindful of physical distancing. With physical distancing precautions in mind, BIG ARTS is selling only 50% of the seats in Christensen Performance Hall. Therefore, until further notice, only 200 seats will be available for any event in the Hall.  A maximum of 25 people will be allowed in the gallery at any given time. BIG ARTS has enhanced its air-filtration system, all surfaces are wiped down between use, a professional sanitation fogger is being used after each gathering, and there are hand sanitation “stations” throughout the ground floor.