Posted: August 24, 2023Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

SAN LUIS OBISPO – The Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery at Cuesta College is pleased to present Scab Picker, a solo art exhibition of paintings by Molly Segal from Aug. 31 through Oct. 13.

According to Segal, her artworks delve into the conflict between dystopian entropy and optimistic desire, portrayed subtly yet intensely across landscapes and within the human soul. Nature and civilization intersect in both symbiosis and conflict, precariously sharing the atmosphere amidst existential risks. Surreal compositions depict clashes between decomposing marine, insect, or avian life and industrial landscapes such as oilfields and waste sites. Romantic embraces are juxtaposed with elements that evoke anxious recoiling, creating tension within the artworks.

“Molly Segal’s art engages with the concept of finite resources, both natural and emotional, offering a profound reflection on insatiable needs and limited provisions,” said Tim Stark, Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery Coordinator. “She confronts complex themes with depth and introspection, inviting viewers to explore her evocative pieces.”

About the Artist

Molly Segal is a Los Angeles-based painter. Born and raised in Oakland, her work centers around the convergence of disaster and decadence in her home state of California. She specializes in large-scale watercolors that explore fragile connections, finite resources, and the cost of survival in challenging climates. Segal’s work has been exhibited at esteemed galleries, including Charlie James Gallery, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and Zevitas Marcus Gallery. In 2021, she was an inaugural artist-in-residence at the Quinn Emanuel Artist Residency in Los Angeles. Her art has been featured in prestigious publications such as the New York Times, Whitehot Magazine, and Lapham’s Quarterly.

She earned her MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in 2013. Most recently, Molly was featured at Track 16 Gallery in a solo exhibition titled What We Whispered and What We Screamed.

The opening reception for Scab Picker is on Thu., Aug. 31, from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery on the Cuesta College San Luis Obispo campus. An artist talk is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. in Room 6304. Live streaming of the event is also available at bit.ly/mollysegal.

Admission to the gallery is free. Please visit the gallery webpage or call (805) 546-3202 for a schedule of exhibits and hours of operation.