Walter Art Gallery to Exhibit "Perfect Imperfection" Dimensional Paintings by Barbara Valles

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Feb. 2, 2018 - PRLog -- "Perfect Imperfection" a solo show of dimensional paintings by classically trained local talent, Barbara Valles, will open at The Walter Art Gallery on March 16, 2018, 6 – 9pm. Luscious complex shapes in enticing muted colors will fill the walls of The Walter Art Gallery from March 16 to April 9.

Barbara Valles' works are beautiful, thoughtful, feel effortless, and yet clearly require great technical skill.  Valles is interested in the spontaneity and simplicity of everyday actions, common objects, and ordinary materials.  She says, "I find beauty and honesty in flaws and imperfections, and the inward self-reflection that they inspire."  Valles works with an inventory of thumb and tongue prints she has created, and uses oil markings, self-curving sheets, and wrinkles to convey an ethereal sense of place. Simple physical strokes of pigment are applied with minimal force.  In the current show, she combines this vocabulary with the use of improvised materials to stretch the boundaries of abstract painting. Her dimensional oil paintings are translucent, creating light pieces that seem to float in their spaces.  Materials are twisted and shaped into folds and undulations. The material becomes the art object.

This body of work explores the beauty and peace in the mundane. We live fast, busy lives, strive for success and achievement, and there are some exquisite moments that we may not notice but, as the artist says, "Those moments can make time stand still. And if we allow ourselves to slow way down, we can find substance and beauty in contemplating something quiet."  Valles' work invites viewers to slow down, to observe deeply, and approach the gravitas of life with lightness and playfulness whenever possible.

Barbara Valles was born in Spain. Her work has been shown in cities such as Madrid, San Francisco, and in Mexico. This will be her first exhibition in Scottsdale. For Valles, art education began as a child and grew into an international trajectory. Formal art education took place at the Escuela de Artes y Oficios de Madrid. She took courses at the Alevi Cultural Center in London, as well as the Circulo de Bellas Artes de Madrid before coming to Arizona and receiving a BFA in painting from Arizona State University.

Barbara Valles has been featured in selective exhibitions at Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art, and San Luis Obispo Art Museum. She was awarded Brushtrokes 2013 from the San Luis Obispo Art Museum, and numerous other awards.

The opening reception for "Perfect Imperfection" will take place on Friday March 16, 6pm – 9pm with an opportunity to meet Barbara Valles.  Refreshments will be served, and local band "The Paper Foxes" will be playing in the Walter Dome across the parking lot from the gallery.  The Walter Art Gallery is located at 6425 E. Thomas Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85251

The Walter Project is an innovative community of artists, entertainers, makers, and visionaries who come together to form various creative ventures such as The Walter Art Gallery, Walter Productions, Walter Yoga, and The Station (the Walter brewery). Known for their art cars such as Walter the Bus, Big Red, and Kalliope, the purpose of this community is to share joy and spark creativity through unique experiences.  For more information about The Walter Art Gallery visit http://www.walter-art.com or visit our Facebook page. For more information about Barbara Valles visit her website: https://www.barbaravalles.com/  For direct press inquiries, please call 209-878-7474 or email gallery@walterproductions.com.