Texas painter Riley Holloway's captivating work explores themes of identity, community and memory. Known for his vibrant, emotionally-charged portraits, he blends classical figurative techniques, particularly those he learned in Europe while studying in Florence, with a highly contemporary style in which pastels border on oil in motifs and forms found in the recent past.

Crossing the threshold of the gallery, we are greeted by the soothing presence of a dog, a faithful companion of the family home, whose serene, poised attitude perfectly embodies the calm that emanates from the exhibition as a whole. Then Holloway proposes an intimate and universal exploration: the idea of a peace treaty with oneself. He invites deep reflection on the nature of inner peace, an often elusive quest in a world marked by turmoil and tension. For the artist, inner peace is revealed in the ability to welcome one's own shadows, and to accept the cracks as passages to an intimate light. Each painting becomes an offering, a suspended space where the artist projects his wishes for serenity, like a silent conversation between his soul and the viewer's one. The colors, sometimes soft, sometimes vibrant, convey this quiet dialogue between viewer and subject. The shapes, sometimes only hinted at, evoke inner landscapes, fragments of emotions captured in the moment. In working on his works, the artist seeks not only to soothe his own spirit, but also to convey a benevolent energy, like a breath of hope placed in the hands of those who look on. This treaty of peace thus becomes an act of love for oneself and for others. To look at this body of unpublished work is to enter a sanctuary where silence resonates and every brushstroke whispers wishes for harmony.

Armed with a rich, intimate visual language, Holloway often uses bold colors and rich textures to breathe life into his work, while capturing the psychological depth of his subjects. These subjects, often drawn from his inner circle or community, reflect an intense diversity of experiences and narratives. What particularly sets Holloway apart is his talent for telling stories through his portraits. Each canvas opens like a window onto the inner lives of his subjects, revealing moments of introspection, joy, struggle or resilience. By incorporating personal details and narrative elements, he establishes an intimate dialogue between the work and the viewer. His deeply collaborative artistic process is based on the importance he places on exchange. In his studio, discussions with his models play a central role, enriching his creative process and enabling him to capture moments of authenticity. A true visual storyteller, Holloway invites us to discover the richness and complexity of the human experience.

Considered one of the most promising artists of his generation, Riley Holloway (b. 1989) lives and works in Dallas. His work is regularly shown in the United States, as well as in Geneva, Cape Town and Berlin. They can be found in prestigious collections, including the Dean Collection, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Fonds d'Art Contemporain - Paris Collections.