Marfa Mesa, 24x96” Acrylic on Panel. 2025

SARAH WINKLER SOLO EXHIBITION OF NEW WORKS

DESERT MODERN

A collection of Desert SOUTHWEST and Texas inspired Landscape Formations

Exhibition Opening Reception with the Artist: Saturday, July 5th 5-7pm

Vail International Gallery, Vail, Colorado.

This collection of new paintings is inspired by the Great Basin, Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts of the American Southwest and seek to capture the dramatic interplay of elements within these breathtaking landscapes. From the twisted slot canyons carved by wind and water, to the brilliantly white dunes of Whites Sands National Park, to the mesas that evoke the remnants of an ancient sea, to the towering steeples of red rock along the Rio Grande river in Big Bend National Park, each painting serves as a testament to the geological contrasts present in this high desert country.

The vibrant colors and varied textures are chosen to reflect the shifting light that rests upon the terrain. Each piece encapsulates the dynamic nature of the environment—drought and flash floods coexisting as part of a larger ecological narrative.

In this series, I depict the vastness of open space, inviting the viewer to experience the mirage-like qualities of the desert landscape. Painted rocks and swirling dust clouds come alive, emphasizing the transient beauty of this arid region. The imagery draws on the duality of fragility and permanence, mirroring the delicate balance of life in the desert. Through these explorations, the paintings not only depict a physical space but also convey the emotional resonance of the American Southwest, appealing to both the senses and the spirit.