Zerbe's Glass Art Included in "Life and Death" Exhibition at Gallerium

My piece entitled “The First Tool Was A Vessel” has been chosen for inclusion in “Life and Death” at Gallerium. See the show Prospectus below:

Life and Death - 2024, the 2nd annual juried exhibition and publication opportunity to explore these two universal cyclical phenomena. 

Life & Death have been part of the art world throughout history. They both are part of a universal cyclical process. Every culture presents rituals around the life and death concept as they appear in signs, icons, and colors.

For some artists like Klimt, life and death are central themes, and instead of showcasing a threatening figure of death, he introduces hope and reconciliation in his masterpiece "Death and Life".

Life is traditionally known as the beginning, the birth, and it may be interpreted as any beginning and a fresh start, that brings joy, eagerness, and energy. New birth, flourishing, as well as everyday life, and still life are all part of life themes.

Death, a fascinating theme for artists, refers to the end and the sadness, vulnerability, and helplessness that the last moment may include. Death has been visualized as forceful, scary, and grim, as well as serine, beautiful, calm, and an acceptance of morality.

Death has been a pervasive theme in art history and a reminder of numbered days and the importance of living well while we can. Afterlives in heaven and hell, as well as skulls, funerals, watches, hourglasses, and decaying flowers and objects, are popular icons to present death in art.

For Life and Death 2024, the theme is both universal and deeply personal, offering countless avenues for artistic interpretation. It encompasses the entire spectrum of existence, from the joyous birth of new life to the somber inevitability of death, and everything in between. We encourage artists to consider the myriad facets of this theme, including:

Cycle of Life: Depict the eternal circle of life, with artworks capturing the interconnectedness of birth, growth, and rebirth.

Mortality and Immortality: Explore the concepts of mortality and immortality, examining the enduring impact of individuals, societies, and civilizations.

Ephemeral Beauty: Reflect on the transient nature of existence and the fleeting moments that define our lives.

Cultural Perspectives: Dive into the rich tapestry of cultural beliefs, rituals, and traditions related to life and death.

Metaphysical and Spiritual Dimensions: Delve into the spiritual and metaphysical realms, where the boundaries between life and death blur.

The selected artworks will be published in The Book of Art: Life and Death series and showcased in Life and Death 2024 international online group exhibition by Gallerium.

The First Tool Was A Vessel, 2024

Glass sculpture of a vase resembling a uterus. To learn more about this piece, check out my artist statement here.