A review of the “Mind Frames” exhibit by Caroline McElroy at the NoHo Senior Arts Colony in the NoHo Arts District.
NoHo Arts District may have few art galleries, but NoHo Arts District still holds plenty of surprises. Whether you’ve been to The Road Theatre or not, you may have known that the lobby of the NoHo Senior Arts Colony community boasts an art gallery with a rotating exhibition. Much like the Brewery Artwalk spaces, residents had to submit an art portfolio to become accepted (once upon a time).
Open to the public daily, the NoHo Senior Arts Colony is showing the “Mind Frames” exhibit by Caroline McElroy, both resident and native to North Hollywood.
Caroline as an artist is as she is as a person: vibrant, honest, mindful, intentional, cultured, and free.
“Mind Frames” walks us through a story of rebirth, but not before submersing us in mayhem. McElroy draws upon her embroilment in a physically and emotionally abusive relationship which tore apart the fabric of her family. It’s a difficult and poignant story to hear….and see in her exhibition. However, McElroy found her peace (and showcases her peace) in Buddhist philosophy. With highly symbolic and meditative iconography, McElroy shares of herself the peace she’s found and continues towards.
With a Buddhist mindfulness thread, McElroy deploys collage as her medium, and music as her vessel. While commissions comprise a portion of the exhibition, McElroy organically collects components of the collages. One of the collages even sports a Beatles ticket from a concert she attended!
McElroy is the kind of brutally honest artist that encourages others to tell their story and share their burden with those of similar experience. McElroy does this in a way which is unapologetic, but also demonstrative of healing and growth. In meeting her and hearing how her exhibition flows (in lockstep with her life), you can’t help but think of Rainier Maria Wilke’s “Let This Darkness Be A Belltower”: ‘…what batters you becomes your strength…’.
Mind Frames is dedicated to McElroy’s good friend, Lujauna Corn, in memorium.
What:
“Mind Frames” exhibit by Caroline McElroy.
Where:
NoHo Senior Arts Colony – Main Lobby
10747 W. Magnolia Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91601
When:
September 6 – October 1, 2021
Lobby open to the public Daily from 10am to 6pm
[…] History Month, we feature Caroline McElroy from LA Music Scenea NoHo Arts District-based artist and music blogger who reviews live music around Los Angeles and helps us to discover some new music […]