During my recent visit to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis, TN, I had the privilege of exploring an exhibition featuring a contemporary artist from Memphis. Kaylyn Webster's piece, "Their Faith Unwavering," from 2022, left an indelible impression on me. This sizable oil-on-canvas painting, executed in a classical style, transported me back to my childhood, evoking a poignant emotional response.
One focal point of the composition is a meticulously detailed, glowing lamp situated at the center. As I absorbed the imagery before reading the accompanying description, I found myself captivated by the scene—a pair of glasses on a table, a mother seated on a couch, and a child entering the room. The dual sets of glasses sparked my curiosity, leading me to ponder whether one pair signified reading glasses and the other perhaps a set for distance vision, inviting various interpretations.
The meticulously rendered arched entryway and the empty nave in the back left corner, flanked by a detailed red hat, added layers of meaning to the composition. The convex mirror in the top right background served as a classic symbolic gesture, engaging the viewer and enhancing the overall narrative.
Notably, the mother figure in the painting wore an oxygen apparatus, and I appreciated how Webster skillfully used the tubing to guide the viewer's gaze from the entering child to the mother’s stoic gaze, still radiating warmth and love. The entire scene felt like a warmly lit, residential space, reminiscent of a loving home.
Upon reading the description, some of my suspicions were confirmed—Webster's poignant artwork memorialized the passing of her father from COVID during the pandemic. The hat hanging on the wall served as a symbol of the profound loss, while the single set of folded glasses on the table belonging to her father could be his Mother’s momento. The child entering the room helped to usher the viewer, walking into someone’s loving home. The Mother figure, recovering from COVID, wearing the oxygen mask, embodying a deeply personal and emotional narrative. Kaylyn has masterfully rendered figures and created a classical composition ushering our eyes through a narrative reverential people.
I encourage anyone visiting the Dixon Gallery and Gardens to explore Kayla Webster's exhibition before it concludes. The gallery itself offers a rich tapestry of artistic experiences, reminiscent of other renowned institutions like Cheekwood in Nashville. Beyond the exhibitions, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens engage with the community through workshops, lectures, book clubs, and more.
For more information and to plan your visit, explore their offerings at dixon.org or follow their hashtag #DiscoverTheDixon. Located at 4339 Park Ave, Memphis, TN 38117, the gallery is comprised of more than “2,000 objects, including French and American Impressionist paintings and significant holdings of German and English porcelain.” Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of their permanent collection, interactive galleries, and serene gardens.
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