Meet Artist Nelson Matos - New works by Svetlana Eden / Meemi JL’
Join us on May 30th for Final Friday at PhotoArt. A monthly open house celebrating new works by local artists, demonstrations, and music. Join us this month for a meet and greet with artist Nelson Matos and view new works by Svetlana Eden and Meemi JL’. All exhibited works are available for purchase unless otherwise noted as “NSF” (Not for Sale)
Nelson Matos
The Stars are Better Off Withough Us.
Nelson Matos, born in Cookeville but having spent the majority of my life in various parts of Tennessee, my artistic journey is deeply rooted in the experiences and landscapes of this remarkable state. Growing up in Knoxville, I developed a fascination with all things military and space exploration, igniting a passion for technology and the interplay between human ambition and the unknown.
During my high school years in Murfreesboro, I became increasingly aware of the vices that shape our world, such as greed and wrath. This newfound consciousness compelled me to reflect on the darker aspects of society, particularly as I encountered them while working for infamous corporations. These experiences illuminated the moral complexities within our modern landscape and significantly influenced my art.
Today, my work explores the intersection of ambition, technology, and the human condition, confronting the vices and contradictions present in our lives. Through my art, I aim to provoke thoughtful dialogue. All exhibited works are available for purchase unless otherwise noted as “NSF” (Not for Sale)
Svetlana Eden
Grounded in Time
Svetlana Eden, a statistician by trade, has been painting and drawing in Nashville for the past twenty years. She believes that regardless of occupation, everyone has the potential to be creative. She finds inspiration and meaning in everyday scenes, often right under her feet. Her interpretation of these familiar images attempts to engage the viewer’s thoughts, memories, and emotions.
On display at PhotoArt Gallery Beginning May 27th, 2025. An opening reception with Eden will be announced soon. She will have her art on display through the summer 2025. All exhibited works are available for purchase starting on May 27th unless otherwise noted as “NSF” (Not for Sale)
Meemi JL’
Pleasant Moments of a Small Town in Mid-Tennessee
Meemi JL’ moved to Cookeville, Tenn, from Hawaii 22 years ago. When Mimi was young, her parents emphasized that appreciating art was essential in life. Her father strongly believed that any form of art- music, poetry, or painting- could enrich people's lives and enhance their world experiences, as famously stated by Bob Dylan: “Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet.”
Later in life, no matter how far away from home she was or what direction she moved, her dad's love of art remained deep within her. The artist chose Meemi JL’ as a professional pseudonym and memory of her parents, who are still very much alive in her heart and were the reasons she returned to the canvas. Her work is represented by the Appalachian Center for Craft Gallery at Tennessee Tech University, and the PhotoArt Gallery & Studio in Cookeville. Additionally, it is displayed M.J.L.'s Art Studio, 39 W Broad St. in Cookeville.
About Pleasant Moments of a Small Town in Mid Tennessee
The artist states, “I seek to capture the simple moments that inspire me by extracting the abstract visual component from scenes in nature so that the viewer sees what I see and responds with their emotions. The exhibit, ‘Pleasant Moments of a Small Town,’ represents my interpretation of the beauty found in ordinary scenes from a small town in Middle Tennessee. I hope that viewers feel a sense of peace when experiencing these snapshots of small- town life.”
Meemi JL’ regularly has her work on display at PhotoArt Gallery. New works have been added and are currently available. All exhibited works are available for purchase unless otherwise noted as “NSF” (Not for Sale)