Vassar, Marlana, Uncertain Girl. Uncertain World, 2018, acrylic on wood, 36 x 36 inches, signed on reverse Artist Bio: Marlana Adele Vassar is a Pittsburgh-area artist and University of Pittsburgh alum. Largely self-taught as an artist, Vassar's philosophy of balancing style and substance has attracted a diverse audience to her work. She weaves symbolism, surrealism, and rich storytelling into figures and patterns, resulting in works that are personal yet open to interpretation. Vassar began her career as a graphic designer with the intention to move into sequential art or game design, however, a series of personal events turned her focus to the world of fine art. Since 2008, her work has been featured nationally in museums, galleries, and public projects. Known for her lavish style and attention to detail, Vassar has earned numerous accolades for her works. Her most recent accomplishments include public projects with the City of Pittsburgh, Oasis Community Kitchen, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the University of Pittsburgh, and City Theatre Company, along with several private commissions. Artist Statement: My artistic philosophy is a balance of style and substance. Whether I am translating community stories or recounting my own, my goals are to keep strong designs, color and aesthetics in mind while incorporating meaningful images and vivid storytelling. I primarily focus on symbolism and surrealism with lush environments in my personal and public works, and include figures when I feel that human representation is necessary. While my public projects are site-specific and adjusted to reflect the communities they are placed in, each of my designs contain imagery and ideas that are relatable to many viewers. Mentored by international sculptor Selma Burke at its founding, Women of Visions has sustained 40 years in the city of Pittsburgh as the only non-profit collective of African American women visual artists. Women of Visions mounts group and collaborative exhibitions, teaches classes to people of every generation, and networks to build relationships in the arts and lay community both in and outside the city of Pittsburgh. The members of Women of Visions represent a diverse range of lifestyles and artistic experiences; thus rich and varied expressions of personal, social, and political views are presented in each exhibition the group organizes. Over the course of 40 years, Women of Visions has continued to nurture and support professional and emerging women artists of color, and to bring to the general public the full richness and scope of our cultural heritage. Currently, Women of Visions is the oldest women’s organization of its kind in the country. They have experienced the years of both revolution and evolution. Now, with the country’s historic placement of a woman of color in the role of Vice President of the United States, this historic organization seeks ways to push themselves and their art to the next level. As part of their growth strategy, Women of Visions has inducted 16 new members in one year, amplified their mission with ground-breaking exhibitions, and are poised to pass on their legacy of establishing “excellence in the visual arts” to the next generation of African American women. In 2021, Women of Visions was awarded the title of “American Cultural Treasure” by the Ford Foundation and Heinz Foundation. For more information visit womenofvisionspgh.org. Merchandise will be packed and transported by the purchaser at their own risk and expense. A list of recommended shippers is on our website: https://www.conceptgallery.com/auctions/shipping/ .