Orlando Showcases Unique Art Exhibition Blending Medieval Imagery and Modern Aesthetics
Orlando is set to host a captivating art exhibition titled Do What Thou Wilt, featuring the works of designer and artist Alicia Sales. Known by the creative alias Friday Trismegistus, Sales invites art lovers to explore a vibrant world where medieval themes collide with surrealist elements. The exhibition opens this weekend at the Framework Craft Coffee House’s Chained Gallery and will run until December 31, 2024.
A Journey Through Time and Color
Visitors can expect to encounter an array of colorful prints and hybrid illustrations that transport medieval icons into a modern, surreal context. Sales employs a unique blend of techniques that marry traditional artistic methods with contemporary digital tools. “My work embraces both the history of the medieval visual language and the fluidity of digital art,” Sales explains. “I aim to create something new and precious out of familiar elements through this creative process.”
An Artist’s Evolution
Sales has spent nearly a decade delving into medieval art, which has significantly influenced her recent creations. The concept for this exhibition blossomed during the pandemic, a time when she devoted herself to studying illuminated manuscripts and classical works. “During lockdown, I felt like a monk, losing myself in the vast resources of art history,” Sales shared. She has drawn inspiration from not only medieval texts but also artists like Hieronymus Bosch and Pieter Bruegel the Elder. The result is a body of work that offers a fresh take on historical themes.
Artwork Highlights
Among the standout pieces displayed at Do What Thou Wilt are the archival pigment prints Lyre and Flute, showcasing whimsical creatures against bold, vibrant backdrops. Another noteworthy piece is Fool, which features a two-headed jester holding a flower and a knife, reflecting a mix of playfulness and intrigue. Other illustrations like Knight 1 and Knight 2 reimagine the heroic figure using exaggerated features and bold colors, while the watercolor Sphynx 2 illustrates a human-animal hybrid filled with celestial elements.
Exploration of Themes
Sales’ work delves into deep symbolic meanings, heavily influenced by alchemy and the transformative processes it represents. “The imagery I create serves as a language that reflects both material and spiritual changes,” she remarks. Trismegistus’ art transcends mere representation, making a connection to personal growth and collective experiences. The title of the exhibition, referencing the famous Aleister Crowley quote, emphasizes a sense of freedom and exploration.
A Call to Action
“Everything I do is rooted in love and joy,” Sales adds, reflecting on her artistic motivations. The goal is not merely to create visually stunning pieces but also to invite viewers into a dialogue about broader themes of existence and connection. As Chained Gallery curator Sapphire Servellon notes, “Alicia’s work offers a profound yet playful take on modern alchemical practices, making her a compelling figure in the local arts scene.”
Event Details
The Do What Thou Wilt exhibition will be on display at Framework Craft Coffee House, located at 1201 N. Mills Ave., Orlando. This is a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to engage with a fresh perspective on historical and mythical themes wrapped in a contemporary aesthetic. Come and uncover the marvels of this inventive art fusion by December 31.
