SiRealism by Silas B. Ritchie

Anaba Tea Room is pleased to present “SiRealism,” an exhibition by Wisconsin artist Silas B. Ritchie.  Silas became active in the arts at a young age.  After a few years traveling, the young Milwaukee native relocated to Madison and in April 2011 was part of a collaborative art show, called "Present Situation," at the Evolution Arts Cooperative.  

The world of SiRealism weaves itself between the real and the imagined.  The landscapes are alien yet somehow familiar.  Human civilization is present, but humanity is not.  The animals are real but out of place.   He paints with acrylics with a focus on texture and color, using realistic images in a surreal context.  There is an aloof cheerfulness whimsically imbued into his brush strokes, and also a manic darkness dormant in the shadows begging for further examination.  Silas wants the emotional impact of his work to hit you outright, while the intellectual subtext remains an undercurrent, not necessarily ever surfacing to the forefront of your understanding of the piece.  The viewer’s interpretation of the art completes the artistic experience, so they can draw their own conclusions.

The show will remain on view until Saturday, February 26, 2012 at Anaba Tea Room, 2107 East Capitol Drive, Shorewood, Wisconsin. 

Anaba Tea Room (www.anabatearoom.com)

Located in the lower level of Garden Room

Open Tue. 11-5, Wed-Sat 11-9 and Sun. 11-3, Closed Mondays

414-963-9510

Garden Room Hours (www.gardenroomonline.com)

Open Tue. 10-5, Wed-Sat 10-9 and Sun. 10-4, Closed Mondays

414-963-1657