Moving through and healing from domestic violence is a process that transforms over time. In her artistic practice, Elizabeth Matthews addresses both her personal experience as a survivor of domestic violence and the societal responses surrounding this topic. This newest body of work uses empty chairs to address the culture of isolation and silence resulting from violence in the home. In Untold Aftermath, Matthews explores concepts that frequently occur in cases of domestic violence: scapegoating, silencing, gaslighting, coercion, and financial abuse. Modeled after Matthews’ personal dining room chairs – objects often associated around a table where families share food and conversation – these chairs now find themselves in both familiar and foreign settings experiencing chaos, a state of isolation, or the exercise of power dynamics. The issues are personal, familial, and societal. As Matthews reminds us in the exhibition title Untold Aftermath, the stories of domestic violence rarely end with the signing of divorce papers. Those stories are continuously unfolding and, she states, demand a response.   The opening reception is scheduled for Friday, August 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The artists will each give a brief talk about their works beginning at 6:30 p.m. during the reception.   Elizabeth Matthews is a native of Salt Lake City and earned a BFA from Brigham Young University with an emphasis in painting and drawing, and an M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning from Utah State University. Matthews’ paintings recently received awards at the 7th Annual Holladay Fine Art Show and at the 95th Annual Spring Salon in Springville, UT. She continues to exhibit work across Utah and currently maintains a studio at the Baldwin Radio Factory in East Millcreek.

https://www.nowplayingutah.com/event/untold-after