Using nature as both muse and medium, rising artist and ecologist Adriana McBride utilizes her ecology background to sustainably hand-source the natural pigments used in her artwork.  In her latest exhibition, she captivates art enthusiasts with her dual collections, “West Coast Art Tour” and “Quad Cities.”  They are currently being showcased at Black Box Theatre, 1623 15th Avenue, downtown Moline, IL, until December 31, 2024.

Adriana’s collections highlight the unique aspects of her practice and artistic vision:  showcasing the raw beauty of nature. Taking an innovative approach, blending natural pigments with profound ecological themes, Adriana pushes the boundaries of contemporary, minimalist, and abstract art.  Each art piece invites introspection, encouraging viewers to question their own boundaries and venture beyond the familiar.

West Coast Art Tour Collection

Featuring soil collected from her travels throughout Washington, Oregon, and California, Adriana’s “West Coast Art Tour” Collection exhibits a series of groundbreaking abstract landscapes.  They invite viewers to explore the interplay between natural elements and artistic expression.

The “West Coast Art Tour” Collection also features Adriana’s stand-alone work, “Beyond Infinity,” inspired by the iconic slashes of Argentine-Italian artist Lucio Fontana.  “Beyond Infinity” is a mesmerizing abstract composition that goes beyond mere aesthetics.  The composition of slashed soil and gold evokes a galaxy of infinite possibilities, becoming a portal to uncharted vistas–a voyage through space and time.  Through the slash, the canvas transcends its two-dimensional confines, inviting viewers to explore realms where imagination knows no bounds.

Quad Cities Collection

In the “Quad Cities” Collection, Adriana presents a series of evocative works that capture the essence of natural phenomena.  The pieces, titled “The Fog,” “Fog Lift,” “The Wave,” and “Stream,” each tell a unique story of transformation and movement.

Through her use of natural composites found in the Quad Cities, Adriana bridges the gap between art and ecology, urging viewers to reflect on their connection with the environment.

Exhibition Details

The dual collections are on display at Blackbox Theatre now until the end of the year. Art enthusiasts and collectors are invited to experience Adriana McBride’s work and explore the dynamic force of art that propels us toward new perspectives.

While visiting, don’t miss the chance to attend one of the theatre’s engaging shows.

Artistic Vision

Like master Renaissance painters Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, Adriana McBride meticulously hand-grinds natural pigments into the paint used in her masterpieces.  Her use of natural pigments, meticulously gathered from diverse regions, adds a profound layer of meaning to her creations.  Each piece becomes a portal to uncharted vistas, encouraging introspection and a deeper connection with the natural world.  Transcending traditional artistic boundaries, Adriana’s work invites viewers to dream beyond the visible surface and conventional limits.

About the Artist

Adriana McBride is an ecologist whose work draws inspiration from nature.  Her innovative use of natural materials and her commitment to ecological consciousness have earned her recognition in prestigious galleries.  Adriana’s art emphasizes the simplicity and profound beauty of the natural world, sparking conversations around themes of travel, restoration, and admiration of the natural world.

Contact Adriana McBride here for more information Artbyadrianam@gmail.com.