BROOKLINE, MA - She’s been called a “young Turk”, she’s been celebrated as “best in show”, she has received a number of art awards. But Taryn Wells -- whose artwork is on view in There Are No Others Around Me at the Brookline Arts Center from July 25 to August 29 -- provides no easy answers in her exquisite drawings, which grapple with the psychological implications of society’s definitions of racial identity. These monumental graphite drawings of her own face, combine portraiture, anatomy, pop culture, and an unflinching gaze to create an artistic tour de force.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to present Taryn Wells in her first one person exhibition in Boston,” explained curator Susan Navarre, Executive Director of the Brookline Arts Center. “Her work combines artistic sophistication with emotional power, in a way that belies her young age.”

According to the artist, “The basis of the series emanated from my need to examine the dualities and dark truth of America, expressing the history of a people that is often overlooked and creating a parallel with today’s perception of race and yesterday’s reality. The resulting series communicates a distinctive perspective that is sometimes sardonic and sometimes somber, but always with the intentions of sparking debate.”

An opening reception will be held Friday, July 25, 2008, from 6 – 8 p.m. and is free to the public. The Brookline Arts Center is located at 86 Monmouth St. in Brookline. For more information, call 617-566-5715 or visit www.brooklineartscenter.com . The reception and exhibition are wheelchair accessible. The Brookline Arts Center is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

About the BAC: The non-profit Brookline Arts Center began 44 years ago in the basement of a Brookline home, and in 1968 moved to its present home, a former firehouse. The exhibition program was begun in 2002, and presents free exhibitions and educational events each month.

Contact :

Susan Navarre, Executive Director
Brookline Arts Center 617-566-5715