Stop Crying is a rumination on the nature of our world; in our times things seem hopeless and dark. But as important, maybe more important, is our reaction. Do we wallow in the darkness or...stop crying? Iemmolo comes from memories of children's film and literature producing melancholy narratives but maintaining a positive, airy aesthetic. The artist says she constructs stems "from mistakes."
This work is about seeing the light at the end of the tunnel (and no, it is not a train).
The exhibit reflects the artist's fashion background and uses paint, paper, boxes, tape, charcoal wire and other culturally significant items; there are baby dolls here and there are unicorns. There is also a subtle humor and relentless positivity--as always seems to be the case in Iemmolo's work. Dealing with darkness does not bring her down in an artistic sense.
"In exploring these themes I hope to urge the viewer to be still in their heart, maybe to laugh, question or fear but to stop crying, at least long enough to see my work and drive home with it without getting it wet...." says Iemmolo.
The French Quarter location is new for the gallery.