Cynthia Dill: A Secret Chord; John McGiff: Icarus Unbound

Gallery 40 is proud to announce a compelling dual exhibition featuring the evocative landscapes of Cynthia Dill  and the dynamic collection of works by John McGiff. The exhibition will open on Saturday September 20, with a public reception from 5-7pm, offering viewers a unique dialogue between two artistic voices.

Cynthia Dill captures the majesty and mood of natural landscapes, using oil on canvas to convey an emotional connection to places. Her work invites the viewer to experience serene, untamed, and immersive environments that speak to memory, time, and solitude.

In contrast, John McGiff presents the Icarus Unbound collection that rewrites the Greek myth of Icarus with an emphasis on one’s ability to transform experience in positive ways and rise above the limited conditions of life we often inherit. Well known narratives, particularly mythic stories, are in constant flux and the artist wanted to put agency back in this young man's hands and underscore that hope lies in the imagination's ability to unite opposites, as Icarus does in his encounter with, and marriage to, The Lady, or his anima side. Transformation involves the courage to take risks and act, much like The Tarot Figure of the Fool, who this Icarus much resembles.  Ascension, the final painting of the series, represents the fulfillment of Icarus having been given a second chance to finish his quest for wholeness.

A Dialogue in Contrast and Connection

While stylistically distinct, both artists explore the power of visual storytelling—one through the lens of the external landscape, the other through an internal exploration of form and meaning. The exhibition captures the essence of life's journey, and offers visitors a chance to reflect on how place, memory, and courage shape our interpretations of art and life.

Opening Reception: Saturday, September 20, 2025 5-7 pm

On display through October 26, 2025