Yulia Gasio: Sunlit Spectra

May 3 – July 6, 2024

Palos Verdes Art Center / Beverly G. Alpay Center for Arts Education is pleased to announce Sunlit Spectra, a solo exhibition of recent work by Yulia Gasio.

“Figurative art, with its empathetic portrayal, embraces the complexity of human emotions and experiences. Sunlit Spectra emerges as a reflective discourse on American culture, specifically Hollywood phenomenon, dissecting the layers of success, identity, aspiration, and ideals that have perennially sculpted the American ethos. This narrative is linked to cinema’s portrayals, which not only frame global perceptions of the American Dream but also mirror how Americans perceive their own societal roles and aspirations.

The concept of the American Dream, amplified by Hollywood, has wielded a profound influence on global audiences across various eras. My personal journey, originating in the monochromatic vistas of a Soviet-occupied Ukraine, was shaped by the ideals of the American Dream. This era, renowned for its specific portrayal of success, seamlessly integrated sexual dynamics into the broader media narrative, extending beyond mere marketing of success images. Yet, the portrayal is not solely about success—it also encompasses the light and climate specific to this geographic locale. This environmental backdrop contributed significantly to the success narrative, where life appeared idyllic, illuminated by perpetual sunshine.”

Yulia Gasio

Yulia Gasio is a Ukrainian-born artist who lives and practices art in California. Her works have been featured in numerous exhibitions regionally and nationally, and are in private and public collections that include Ukraine Institute of Modern Art in Chicago, Ukraine Cultural Center Los Angeles, Osten Collection Skopje, North Macedonia, and Creative Spark Centre, Dundalk, Ireland. She earned an MA in Art History from California State University Fresno and MFA in Drawing and Painting from California State University Long Beach and also a recipient of multiple awards and scholarships. Yulia is an Assistant Professor teaching Drawing and Painting at California State University Long Beach.