When visiting the Dianna Witte Gallery, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring Isabella Vella’s latest show, The Performers. This compelling exhibition introduces Vella’s new series of paintings composed of assemblages of figures, stories, and objects. Drawing inspiration from her lived experiences as well as classical mythological, Vella transforms memory into deeply personal folklore. Her works use iconography as visual and narrative frameworks to create layered symbolism. In this collection, her female protagonists embody a spectrum of emotion—they dance, weep, desire, gaze, and embrace. Each figure enacts a complete narrative inhabiting richly imagined worlds. Suspended in their respective poses, these characters evoke the true essence of performers, frozen in the midst of a scene, allowing viewers to contemplate their stories.
“Feminine Apothecary” captivated me with its evocative narrative. The tree is depicted in a minimalist way, with branches extended over a woman’s figure. The mouth of a face on the tree branch pours water into a female-shaped vase. The woman, standing in front, expresses water from the nipple that falls into another vase, then onto the woman’s foot and finally falls back to the ground watering it – so the circle is complete.
The tree with a human face could symbolise life, and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity. The vessel, shaped like a female body, could be a representation of fertility and nourishment. Further, the water flowing from the figure’s nipple suggests a maternal element, underscoring the feminine body as a source of creation. Meanwhile, the other, cracked vessel, allowing liquid to drop onto the figure’s foot, adds an understanding of fragility and imperfection. The contrast between fluid motion and stillness is the key element of this painting. While the cascading water conveys movement and life, the rooted stillness of the tree anchors the composition which creates a visual tension that mirrors the thematic balance between transformation and permanence. Overall, the painting appears to explore themes of femininity, positioning the female form as both the original giver and healer as well as the receiver of life and strength.
Isabella Vella, Feminine Apothecary, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 18 in (left) and detail (right)
“Correct Attitude” got my attention because of its profound symbolism. Several details stand out, each contributing to its rich narrative that can be interpreted in many ways. The central figure, a woman, is enveloped by a dark shadow from behind, suggesting a sense of foreboding. There is a moon-shaped cut on her right side. With her left hand she tries to stop the bleeding, while her right hand points at the moon. A naked woman is lying at her feet, face down in a position of worship. It suggests that the woman dressed in gold could be a Goddess consecrated to the Moon, properly honoured by the human. The worshipper’s nakedness and her long hair spreading over her body brings sexuality into the composition.
The figure’s upraised right hand might symbolise elements from other religions as well. In Christian iconography, the right hand is considered the symbol of power and authority. The golden figure’s wound reminds us of the one Christ suffered on the cross. The right index finger pointed upward could relate to a direct connection to God or the divine, signifying a call for guidance. Moreover, the right index finger pointed toward the moon may allude to spiritual or existential longing. The moon on the left and the sun on the right represent a dynamic balance of opposing forces, often seen as complementary symbols, with the moon embodying cycles of life. Together, these elements could be suggesting a journey of self-reflection. Lastly, the title “Correct Attitude” emphasises the theme of spiritual yearning, and the pursuit of clarity amid existential turmoil.
Isabella Vella, Correct Attitude, acrylic on canvas, 16 x 12 in (left) and detail (right)
“In a Field near Hatfield House” features two figures appearing to embrace, each of them distinct in their symbolic representation. One of them has green hands, hips and arms and upper body covered with fish scales accompanied by hollow, open eyes – suggesting a sea-creature. The other figure, a human woman, dressed entirely in a striking red bodysuit with matching high heels, has her eyes closed. Adding to the intrigue, the figure with green hands holds a red ring concealed behind the woman’s back, while a black crow is flying toward it.
The red ring brings an air of withheld truth and secrets but also can be a hint of potential passion, commitment, or emotional intensity. The black crow flying toward it adds a foreboding element. Crows are powerful symbols, often associated with death or as bad omens in mythology and folklore. It’s dark presence contrasts with the vibrancy of the colours used in the composition. It is almost as if the crow is a harbinger of the consequences of this forbidden love.
Isabella Vella, In a Field near Hatfield House, acrylic on canvas, 16 x 12 in (left) and detail (right)
Isabella Vella’s The Performers perfectly blends myth, imagery, and the intricacies of the human condition. Through evocative symbolism and layered compositions, the works explore themes of femininity, existential yearning, and the interplay between vulnerability and strength. Each painting immerses the viewer in a moment of transformation. Vella’s mastery truly lies in her ability to balance the stillness of her figures with the dynamism of their emotional worlds.
Kaya Meziane
Images are courtesy of the artist and Dianna Witte Gallery.
*Exhibition information: Isabella Vella, The Performers, November 8 – 30, 2024, Dianna Witte Gallery, 1122 Dundas St. East, Toronto. Gallery hours: Wed – Sat 12 – 6 pm.