Zoya Frolova and Janis Jakobson in this joint exhibition focus on the contradictions between nature and man. Structure verses the natural elements. The language between these artists in their paintings is the two distinct views of the narrative metaphor in symbolizing nature and the human spirit. Natural elements such as the wind and rain are illustrated by Frolova as a metaphor of power in the human spirit. In Jakobson's paintings, the construction and architecture of buildings, temples, and stadiums, fortified and strong, symbolically represent the search for the structure of strength of the human spirit. These structures are built by man in response to the forces presented by our natural environments. We are seen in these age-spanning edifices, arenas and fortresses, as successful builders of strong ideas, with continuously creating ways to survive our environment. In direct opposition to these ideas of constructed protection from nature, Frolova presents us with a series of work of man completely alone with nature. She explores how man is affected by power struggles metaphorically represented by nature and how man copes with these predicaments. We find man to twist and turn his body and deflect the strength of the elements opposing us. We manage to be successful in manipulating our bodies against the difficulties in our lives to reach achievement. The power of this exhibition is the dialogue between these diverse images by Frolova and Jakobson. Both painters allow us to think of the contradicting methods we utilize in achieving our goals; building formidable structures verses methods of enduring the forces of power conflicts. How we contend with these situations in life beckons us to look at our resources, physically and psychologically and the flow between them.

Virginia Kinzey, Director