Shara Hughes: Rusalka

Lamenting, Sighing, Weeping
February 2–May 13, 2017

I decided to title the show “Lamenting, Sighing, Weeping.” Those are the first words Ježibaba sings in the opera when she and Rusalka meet. I feel like it’s the theme for the whole story—it’s how it all begins and ends with Rusalka and the prince. I felt a strong connection with Ježibaba’s character and Rusalka. The whole story is about wanting something you can’t have and the pain of love that can’t exist. I think the window/framing tool I use in the paintings that makes the viewer look through to something else reflects the entire theme of this opera.
—Shara Hughes

Looking Out
2016
Oil, acrylic, Flashe, and dye on canvas
60 × 52 inches (152.4 × 132.1 cm)

Stranger through the Reeds
2016
Oil and acrylic on canvas
60 × 52 inches (152.4 × 132.1 cm)

True Loves Kiss
2016
Oil, acrylic, dye and caulk on canvas
68 × 60 inches (172.7 × 152.4 cm)

Chill Pill
2016
Oil, acrylic, and dye on canvas
36 × 30 inches (91.4 × 76.2 cm)

Love Potion
2016
Oil and acrylic on canvas
60 × 52 inches (152.4 × 132.1 cm)

Swamp
2016
Oil on canvas
60 × 48 inches (152.4 × 121.9 cm)

Song to the Moon
2016
Oil, dye, and Flashe on canvas
48 × 40 inches (121.9 × 101.6 cm)

Wishing to be Different
2016
Oil, acrylic, Flashe, dye, and crayon on canvas
60 × 52 inches (152.4 × 132.1 cm)

On the Grand Tier

Jezibaba
2016
Oil, acrylic, and Flashe on canvas
60 × 52 inches (152.4 × 132.1 cm)

Grand Tier and Gallery Met