{9} The Gallery Presents "Heather Weller: Veiled"

PHOENIX - July 20, 2019 - PRLog -- {9} presents Veiled, a new series by Phoenix-based painter Heather Weller,opening First Friday, August 2nd, 6-10 PM at {9} The Gallery, 1229 Grand Avenue, Phoenix, AZ.Through Veiled, Weller challenges the social construct of the "ideal" human, invoking questions regarding the role and importance that individuality plays in our lives and how external or internal forces can affect the image of an individual.

Weller explores the hypothesis that, in order to achieve "perfection" in society, individual identities are often repressed, forgotten, or manipulated to conform, especially the identities of women. Unique characteristics that deviates from the standard are considered "flaws" and attributes that defines individuality are shunned. This repression is represented in Weller's work as a veil, concealing the true individual beneath.

"When I paint, I seek to tell a story, evoke emotion, or encourage awareness. There is much more to my work than what the viewer will see at first glance. I encourage the audience to look deep into the piece and untangled the story, or the purpose. My work questions the world around us, including current standards, conflicts, and trends. As Eugene Delacroix once said, "What moves men of genius, or rather what inspires their work, is not new ideas, but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough." I find inspiration in the controversial, or misunderstood, and strive to raise awareness regarding matters in the real world. My art is an opportunity for me to act and to say what I have to say." – Heather Weller

Heather Weller was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. With seven years of painting experience, she is committed to pursuing a future in the arts through study at Arizona State University. During her career, Heather has had the pleasure of apprenticing for the prestigious, Russian painter, Alexei Butirskiy. She has also claimed several publications including a feature of her painting "Superpod" in a Seattle Times article.

Weller continues to explore the theme of identity through her veiled figure paintings, capturing identities that are misrepresented, repressed, or forgotten. History and art of the classical world remains a reigning influence in her work, drawing inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelite and Baroque eras.

Heather Weller: Veiled runs through the month of August at {9} The Gallery.

For more information, please visit http://www.9thegallery.com.