#United States #Tampa #Tempus Projects #Lisa McCarthy #Wallace Wilson

Exploring Awkward Transactions: An Artistic Dialogue

Tempus Projects Gallery in Ybor City, Tampa, will open its doors on April 2, 2026, to showcase an intriguing exhibition titled Awkward Transactions, a joint effort between artists Lisa McCarthy and Wallace Wilson. This exhibition offers a unique exploration of collaborative art forms that blends elements of painting and photography.

The Framework of the Exhibition

The premise of Awkward Transactions is both theoretical and theatrical, posing the question: what happens when a painter collaborates with a photographer in a setting designed to facilitate a visual call-and-response? This innovative structure invites dialogue, sparks tension, and encourages improvisation within the creative process. Visitors can expect a dynamic exchange of ideas expressed through different media that challenge conventional boundaries.

The opening reception is scheduled for April 2 from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1624 E 7th Avenue, giving attendees the first chance to engage with the works and meet the artists. The exhibition will continue until May 28, allowing ample time for the community to immerse themselves in this thought-provoking experience.

The Collaboration

In this exhibition, the creative dialogue unfolds as a visual exchange between photographer Wallace Wilson and painter Lisa McCarthy. Each piece embodies a complex interaction, where Wilson’s photography serves as the initial “call,” while McCarthy’s painted interventions act as the “response.” The photographs, derived from common subjects such as zoos and storefronts, reveal layers of familiar environments that are pushed toward abstraction through Wilson’s unique lens.

His photographs, often bathed in visual noise, escape straightforward narratives, thus allowing viewers to question their interpretations. Through large-scale prints, McCarthy responds by tracing these images, interrupting rather than completing them with her painted gestures. Her approach is less about decoration; it leans towards incursion, creating an interplay of artistic expression that tests the confines of each medium.

Background of the Artists

Both artists bring impressive credentials and distinctive styles to Awkward Transactions.

Wallace Wilson

An MFA graduate from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Wallace Wilson is the Director Emeritus of the USF School of Art and Art History. His work features subjects that resist clear conceptions, and his photographs have been acquired by notable institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Wilson's focus on subtlety and abstraction confronts viewers with a sense of disorientation, inviting them to explore the deeper meanings behind familiar images.

Lisa McCarthy

In contrast, Lisa McCarthy operates predominantly as an interdisciplinary painter. Her work often involves layering various materials to create narratives that embrace chance and spontaneity. With an MFA from the University of South Florida and a BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, McCarthy’s artistry reflects a personal exploration of color and form, resulting in compositions that are guided by instinct rather than strict adherence to traditional painting techniques.

Role of Tempus Projects

Tempus Projects is dedicated to supporting both emerging and established artists through various organizational efforts, including exhibitions and collaborations. In their Spring Fundraising Campaign, they aim to promote creators engaged in diverse media. Through initiatives like Awkward Transactions, the nonprofit gallery strives to connect artistic endeavors to the broader community, transforming Tampa Bay into a vibrant hub for contemporary art.

For those seeking to engage with innovative art, Awkward Transactions at Tempus Projects provides an exceptional opportunity. The exhibition not only bridges the gap between disciplines but also allows for a deeper understanding of the collaborative spirit that fuels the creation of art in today’s world. Be sure to mark your calendars for April 2 — an unforgettable artistic journey awaits!