Written By Avery Melhado. Photos by Avery Melhado.
Last month, Alexander’s Bistro welcomed the work of contemporary surrealist artist Jeanette Sabo to their cafe. The opening reception, which took place on Sept. 10, was an intimate yet powerful transportation into Sabo’s artistic world. Paintings lined the walls, refreshments were served, and Sabo spoke to visitors and friends with care.
The exhibition, titled “Heads & Tales,” was born out of the idea of a coin spinning. The accompanying text reads, “Toss a coin. The most interesting part isn’t the side it lands on; it’s in the moments in which it’s spinning. That’s where this exhibit comes from.” Each painting is a world of its own – most often depicting flowing figures with especially captivating features. Sabo said of the body of work, “I’m drawn to eyes and faces and souls and movement.”
Movement seems to be a consistent motif throughout Sabo’s life. She started her career in the 80s as a dancer, then became a choreographer and worked on music videos. She eventually started singing, forming her own band and later writing songs for other people. “That wasn’t enough for me,” Sabo says of the writing. So, she started exploring visual art, drawing with charcoal. “That took me into this world.”
Now, Sabo identifies as a contemporary surrealist painter. In “Heads & Tales,” her work still carries the memory of her songwriting days. Each painting is accompanied by a plaque with lyrics written by Sabo herself. She says that she expected pairing the works with the lyrics to be more difficult than it really was, but she discovered that she still relates to her old writing. “It all comes from a feeling,” Sabo says. She describes putting them together as “coming full circle.”
Sabo hopes that by opting for the lyrics instead of a more traditional gallery plaque, interpretation of the works can be left up to the viewer. “I’d like people to find their own little tale,” she says.“Find their own little head.” She encourages viewers of the exhibition to think for themselves and figure out what the work means to them personally.
The exhibition is undeniably magical. Sabo’s artistic voice, present in both the paintings and their accompanying lyrics, brings a unique sense of personal reflection and feeling to the space. Sabo’s work is truly otherworldly, yet still feels rooted in humanity. It was easy to see her standing next to the paintings and understand the intention behind each brush stroke and color palette. “It’s me, and it’s nobody else, and it’s self-indulgent,” she says.
Sabo’s work is still on view in Alexander’s Bistro. So,if you find yourself walking down Bull Street, stop in, grab a coffee or a bite to eat, and let a little bit of Sabo’s magic seep into your own world.
Avery is double-majoring in Graphic Design and Writing at SCAD. She loves making zines and spending hours in coffee shops reading, writing, and working on projects. When she’s not glued to her laptop, you can find her walking through Forsyth with a dirty chai in hand, probably still writing in her notes app.
