Independent

GAVLAK | Independent 2025
Group Presentation | Jose Alvarez, Rob Wynne, Lita Albuquerque, and Jessica Cannon

GAVLAK is pleased to return to the Independent Art Fair 2025 with a group presentation featuring new works by Lita Albuquerque, Jose Alvarez (D.O.P.A.), Jessica Cannon, and Rob Wynne. This exhibition explores the cosmic, metaphysical, and spiritual dimensions that each artist approaches through their distinct practices. Together, these artists create immersive worlds that invite the viewer to connect with the unseen forces that shape our existence, asking us to reconsider our place in the universe.

Each artist, in their own way, taps into the mysteries of the cosmos, not simply as a physical phenomenon but as a realm that transcends material existence. Their works evoke a sense of spiritual unity, suggesting that our connection to the universe is more profound and mysterious than we often realize. Through their art, they challenge us to contemplate the eternal cycles of life, energy, and time, offering visions of interconnectedness that speak to the heart of our collective consciousness.

Albuquerque’s practice is deeply rooted in the exploration of cosmic themes. Her work, often engaging with celestial alignments and site-specific installations, reflects her ongoing fascination with the metaphysical qualities of the universe. Rooted in the Light and Space and Land Art movements, Albuquerque uses color, earth, motion, and time as tools to illuminate the connections between the stars, the earth, and ourselves. On view at the fair is one of Albuquerque’s acclaimed Auric Field paintings, rendered in blue and silver tones, where refracted light evokes the interplay between celestial and earthly.

In contrast, Alvarez expands on the notion of the metaphysical through a vibrant, psychedelic lens. Known for his explosive use of color and materials such as crystals and porcupine quills, Alvarez’s paintings and performances break down belief systems to explore the intersections of science, spirituality, and mysticism. On view is one of his renowned “Solar Flare” tondos, which are crafted from mineral crystals, mica, and paint. This work reflects Alvarez’s ability to merge the spiritual, the scientific, and the cosmic into transformative visual experiences.

Similarly, Cannon’s work explores the fluidity of the cosmos, but from a more contemplative, geometric standpoint. Her semi-abstract compositions, which often evoke celestial bodies and natural landscapes, highlight the inherent instability of form and representation. The spiral, a central motif in her work, speaks to the constant motion and change that defines both the physical and metaphysical worlds. Through her innovative use of iridescent pigments and lace-like patterns, Cannon’s paintings shift and shimmer over time, capturing the dynamic interplay of space, time, and color. 

In a similar vein, Wynne’s work carries a distinct emphasis on language and materiality. His poured glass sculptures and mixed-media installations are a manifestation of spiritual flux, evoking the infinite cycles of energy within the cosmos. Wynne’s works challenge conventional artistic practices, using materials like glass, textiles, and language to blur the line between the spiritual and the absurd. His swirling vortex sculptures, embody the cyclical nature of the universe, inviting viewers to reflect on the transitory nature of existence and the constant movement of energy throughout space. Through his art, Wynne offers a playful yet profound commentary on the metaphysical forces that govern our reality.

Together, these four artists present a profound meditation on the interconnectedness of energy, matter, and spirit, offering viewers a chance to engage with the invisible forces that shape our existence and reflect on the metaphysical dimensions of the universe.