A Debut Solo Show by ILL.DES

Artist ILL.DES is set to unveil his debut solo exhibition, marking over twelve years since the inception of his artistic journey. The forthcoming show, titled 'BLOOM,' will delve into new themes and mediums, reflecting his evolution as an artist.

Bloom. / (bluːm) / noun. a blossom on a flowering plant; a flower. the state, time, or period when flowers open (esp in the phrases in bloom, in full bloom)

Like a planted seed, our surroundings and upbringings shape us into who we are today. Bloom explores growth, healing, and perseverance through ILL.DES's unique abstract universe. The symbolism of Bloom is seen throughout this body of work in the form of flora. These abstract, organic forms are inspired by his parents’ needlepoint artwork and their Romanian heritage. These motifs serve as a homage to his family’s courage and strength in escaping a Communist State for a better future.

“Blooming where you are planted means to grow and flourish despite the circumstances, and that does not mean to survive, it means to Thrive and to Blossom.” – Naomi Eldho

The trials and tribulations we face in life bring opportunities to persevere, thus leaving room for growth and healing. Through dark storms and heavy rainfall, flowers bloom inside of us, leading to new fruit. In 2020, ILL.DES set forth in a new city to expand his art and prepare for his first solo show after being showcased previously at galleries in Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, Tampa, Philadelphia, and St Louis. This exhibition plays to the inspiration he found after spending two years recovering from life-altering accidents and rebuilding his studio after a devastating flood left many of his supplies including the hand-built panels created with his father for this show, completely destroyed. Despite the many setbacks, he chose to remain planted through the experience, and as a sprout bursts through soil to become a new creation, so did he. ILL.DES taking what was broken, salvaged his works. Reshaping his panels into new forms, ILL.DES introduces new motifs that draw to pay tribute to the rigidity he felt during his accidents, and the freedom he found in his rebirth. Through the “Glitch Panels” in this exhibition, ILL.DES juxtaposes the rigid organized mechanical elements he is known for with soft, organic rebirth motifs inspired by nature. In doing so, ILL.DES reminds us with this collection that beauty can be found in the darkest of life’s challenges, should we so choose to find it, we too can Bloom.

The show as a whole acts as a self-discovery and pursuit of reaching one's full potential as the artist explores these motifs close and dear to himself. To “bloom” as a person, is to embrace the process of self-discovery and personal development. Reaching “full bloom” takes growth, healing, and perseverance through the journey of life. As you view these works of art, the artist hopes the viewer takes time to meditate and reflect upon themselves what it means to Bloom.

This show will be open from November 01 - 15, 2024

MERCHANDISE