About the work:
Noelle Phares’s new limited collection entitled ‘Signs of Life’ draws both from her personal circumstances during which the works were painted, and the general theme of the artworks. Showing with Nahcotta Gallery in Portsmouth, New Hampshire from Nov. 18 - Dec. 2 2025, the 9 pieces present explorations of the entanglement of natural landscape and manmade design that defines Phares’s niche as an artist.
Says Phares of the artworks:
“This is the second collection that I created while pregnant with my son, mostly during the last trimester. Given the timing, I was deeply entrenched in the exercise of searching for signs of life within my own body. I could feel my son moving inside while I sketched and painted; could feel the draw on my own energy as my body diverted resources towards him. I can’t help but sense his presence in the finished paintings, knowing that the task of growing him was balanced with genesis on panel. These twin acts of creation fed and informed each other.
The paintings themselves offer depictions of signs of human life. Wherever humans are, built elements exist. The best of design draws on the form of the landscape around it to enhance the structure’s presence and function, thus the scenes in each attempt to do the same. There is also a sense of play in these artworks as I largely allowed the composition to unfold during the painting itself instead of relying on a well-formed plan made before setting my sights on the panel (my typical practice). They are all quite small, which was purposeful in that I have an easier time being exploratory on small surfaces than on large ones. 7 of the 9 paintings are finished in ornate, vintage-like frames that provide a stark contrast to the contemporary landscapes that play out on the panels themselves. Each is a world within itself, not much informed by the painting that came before or after it. They are, perhaps, an exercise in raw creativity - a process that I very much needed at this time in my life.”
How to purchase:
The works will be available for purchase in the physical gallery and online at https://nahcotta.com/collections/noelle-phares at 12pm Eastern / 10am Mountain Time on Tuesday, Nov. 18th. At that time the page will populate and purchase options will be available. All works will remain in the gallery for the duration of the exhibition through December 2nd, 2025.
Please direct questions to libby@nahcotta.com.
How to see it:
The physical exhibition runs from November 18 - December 2, 2025 and may be visited by walk-in or appointment during regular gallery hours: 10am - 6pm everyday.
110 Congress Street
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603.433.1705
info@nahcotta.com
Preview
Check back soon for a preview of the work
