From castle in Bruges, Abigail Tulis solo art show casts beam into city’s Wavelength gallery

"Rooigem" - Solo Exhibition - Opening Dec. 6 in Chattanooga on McCallie near UTC

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Friday, November 29, 2024 — Family artist Abigail Marie Tulis is being given space at Wavelength Space gallery in Chattanooga to show her work. The opening in Dec. 6,

The Abigail Tulis exhibition, “Rooigem,” at Wavelength Space in Chattanooga is named after the moated castle in which she lives in Bruges, Belgium.

Rooigem explores themes of “belonging, metamorphosis, and creative practice as a form of searching,” she says. “Rooted in the natural cycles of solitude and seasons, the works in this show reflect an intimate connection to place and the transformative power of paying attention.”

“Inspired by her time in Rooigem,” says a post on Substack, “a magical domain in Belgium, Abigail Tulis invites viewers into a meditative reflection on creativity, heartbreak, and the solace found in nature.”

Wavelength Spaces gallery is at 854 McCallie Ave. in Chattanooga. (Photo Wavelength)

Says Abigail, “These works, mostly made over the last year, are close to my heart and have been a fundamental part of my healing process. There will be a new video work screening in the gallery to go along with the drawings and paintings. I am very thankful to Raquel Mullins of Wavelength space for offering me this opportunity, for mounting this show and for her trust and belief in my process and work.”

Find out more about Abigail’s works ‘50 under $500‘ at this link.

Abigail Tulis, left, works in this studio in Belgium, where swans often come to her open door as she paints or sculpts. (Photos Abigail Tulis)

Artist’s statement

“Painting is, for me, a form of magic, exorcism, and manifestation.”

“The works in Rooigem emerged during a singular phase of my life, spent in a place I am blessed to call home. Rooigem is not a destination you find—it is a place that finds you. This body of work reflects my journey through solitude, heartbreak, and healing, surrounded by swans, trees, and flowers that became my companions.

Works of Abigail Tulis are available starting Dec. 6, 2024, at Wavelength Space in Chattannooga and at Artsy.

Each day, I painted to soothe a grieving heart. Nature, in her feminine splendor, nurtured my soul. I meditated upon the dew suspended on feathers floating on the water’s surface, or sparkling webs spun in the quiet corners of my studio. Floating on the water in my little boat, I paid attention—to the world outside, to my inner landscape, and to the cycles of life and loss.

Through these paintings, I hope to share a sense of this stillness. Slow down. Breathe. See how the world looks anew when you stop to pay attention.

The sun sets over the horizon behind Rooigem castle in Bruges, Belgium, home of Tennessee artist and Swiss citizen Abigail Tulis of Soddy-Daisy. (Photo Abigail Tulis)

Wavelength Space on map Chattanooga