“Urban Depths”

Art by Charles Giglia
and Leilani McGlynn

The Walter Art Gallery is excited to bring you “Urban Depths” a two-person show featuring talented local artists Charles Giglia (aka SAR) and Leilani McGlynn. Both artists use vibrant colors and compelling forms to represent the power of human stories and emotions.

Charles Giglia, who paints under his graffiti name SAR, discovered his passion for art in the 1970s as he emblazoned New York City subway cars with this name. The graffiti scene was a visual representation of the struggle between people who felt marginalized and city authorities, and it was a powerful influence on the New York art world. Graffiti came to be seen as an important form of self-expression, and as writers transitioned from working on subway cars to the tunnel walls, they were able to spend hours perfecting their art, using stencils, masking and blending to bring added sophistication to their work. As a “writer” (the preferred name for graffiti artists), SAR was in some of the best-known NYC crews including “The Master Blasters” and “Rolling Thunder Writers.” Now living in Arizona, SAR continues to exuberantly express himself in his iconic subway style using canvas, paper, and metal as his substrates. Recently his work was exhibited at Phoenix Center for the Arts, at Diamondbacks stadium for Hispanic Heritage month, and in April he was invited back to Art Curial, the largest urban art auction in the world, alongside Basquiat, Keith Haring and other Urban Art legends.

 A creator also committed to deep self-expression, self-taught artist Leilani Leilani endeavors to inspire viewers to explore their own emotions and experiences through her work. She says, “Creating art, for me, is an intimate and abstract form of communication that transcends time and words.” Using water-based markers with gesso to help her move and manipulate the marks, Leilani creates deeply layered images with a geometric, organic, or architectural feel. These complex realms mirror the artist’s imagination and pull viewers into “the worlds and patterns” of her mind. Working in a meditative flow state, she both paints and marks on canvas to create surreal intricate spaces of fantasy and wonder. Leilani’s goal is to shift the perceptions of viewers because “even a tiny shift may inspire growth.” Using her distinctive style, she creates images where patterns come to life as new domains invite you into their depths.

 “Urban Depths” opens May 17 with a reception from 6:30 – 9pm. Join us to experience this vibrant, striking art, enjoy some refreshments, and meet these inspiring, fascinating artists. The Walter Art Gallery is located at 6425 E. Thomas Road. The gallery is open during shows on Tuesdays from 11 to 1pm and Thursdays from noon to 2pm. The show can also be seen by appointment: just contact us a couple days before you want to come in at gallery@thewalterhive.org.

 We look forward to seeing you for this special show at the WAG! 6425 E. Thomas Road, Scottsdale AZ 85257. Find us on Facebook, Instagram and our website: walter-art.com.