Dama Gallery is thrilled to announce "Elysian Fields: Myth Making with Théo Polymorphos," a solo exhibition by the imaginative realist painter Théo Polymorphos, (né Derek Poulton). 

In "Elysian Fields: Myth Making with Théo Polymorphos," the protagonists of Polymorphos's narrative works navigate mysterious territories brimming with life and symbol. These characters are enriched and transformed through encounters with the more than human—from plants and animals to elements and luminaries. Each piece invites viewers to follow their light, don new masks, and blossom from the depths of their being. The artist's works explore successive metamorphoses, delving deeper into the mysteries of life and death, and discovering the beauty that grows out of pain.

Polymorphos draws inspiration from ancient myths and folktales, psychology and spirituality, and the natural world. He is particularly fascinated by ancient Orphism and Greek mystery religions, as well as the ecstatic art and philosophy of the Romantic and Symbolist movements. His art combines a sense of naturalistic realism with a dreamy idealism, creating a numinous quality in his imaginative works. Each piece serves as a portal to a realm where myths come to life, spirits guide the lost, and every transformation reveals a deeper truth about the human condition.

ARTIST

Théo Polymorphos (né Derek Poulton) is a North American painter of imaginative realism, whose art explores the mysterious journey of the soul, exploring themes of ecstasy, initiation and metamorphosis. After more than a decade wandering the globe as a development consultant, he rekindled his childhood love of drawing and painting with Lacey Lewis at the School of Realist Art in Kansas City, Missouri. Figure drawing quickly became an obsession, as did oil painting soon after. The experience of rigorous instruction in traditional realism gave him a newfound sense of satisfaction in art-making, catalyzing a total reorientation in life. He recently completed a three year course in imaginative realist methodologies under Tenaya Sims at the Georgetown Atelier in Seattle, Washington. He currently resides in Central Florida where he continues to develop his portfolio. 

Artwork details and collector inquiries are available on ARTSY, click below.

DOWNLOAD ARTWORK CHECKLIST (PDF)

SOLO FEATURE

May 8 - August 8, 2024

GALLERY DATES

PINK TIDE, June 1 - August 3, 2024

LOCATION

1793 E Main Street, Ventura CA 93001

OPENING RECEPTION

June 1 , 2024 6-8p

GALLERY HOURS

Saturdays 12-3P

Weekdays By Appointment