Julia Malakoff brings “The Poetry of Everyday Things” to Reston

Contributed by Reston Art Gallery

Photo contributed by Reston Art Gallery.

Julia Malakoff’s solo exhibition, “The Poetry of Everyday Things,” will be on view at Reston Art Gallery and Studios at Lake Anne Plaza from Oct. 4 through Oct. 31.

Malakoff’s art is inspired by the ordinary objects that surround her daily life—wildlife outside her studio window, a whimsical pink chair discovered in a thrift store, and the dancing shadows of houseplants. “I delight in the satisfying balance of neutral colors against more vibrant hues,” she explains. She observes everything with fresh eyes, translating color, angle, shade, and detail onto her canvas.

“Not confined to any one category or mood, my subjects in their original form range from classic beauty to quirky, from natural to man-made,” says Malakoff. “Close observation reveals their essence as well as unexpected connections, which then serve to inform my art.”

Her colorful, mixed-media work offers a joyful experience for viewers of all ages. She combines acrylic paint and oil pastels, often incorporating found and hand-painted papers—including pages from old, damaged books—as well as cardboard from shipping boxes. These embedded materials add texture and dimension to her pieces.

“Vases are a favorite everyday object, and I enjoy crafting vessels from my stash of cardboard, layering paints and glazes to suggest a genuine ceramic surface,” she notes.

Malakoff sees her art as visual poetry. “Just as a poem employs selected language to convey meaning, my art utilizes color, texture, line, and form to portray the unique essence of everyday objects in my life and their kinship to each other. Everyday things no longer appear ordinary and unrelated. Everyday things are my poetic musings.”

Artist reception:

Sunday, October 5, 2-4 PM

Reston Art Gallery and Studios

11400 Washington Plaza West # B

Reston, VA 20190

Reston Art Gallery and Studios is open Saturdays from 10 AM to 5 PM and Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Photo contributed by Reston Art Gallery.