City Hall Gallery, O’Fallon, Missouri

May 14 - August 30, 2025

Exhibition Description

Artists Maddie Aunger and Mel Tychonievich have known each other for over ten years, and have subsequently seen each other grow and evolve alongside their art practices. In their first dual show, titled Thresholds, the two artists present work with similar interests in themes of time and space, and a strong focus on composition. The noun ‘threshold’ can describe both physical and metaphorical boundaries. Aunger explores the idea through layered domestic spaces and the sensations of light and color within them. Tychonievich utilizes personal imagery to intuitively straddle thresholds between the everyday and the fantastical. Together they create an exhibition that examines the thresholds of painterly realism.   

Both Aunger and Tychonievich contextualize their work within the traditions of perceptual realism, meaning that they find inspiration from the world around them. Their shared interest in representational imagery reflects both who they are now and the catalyst for their friendship, which began when they met at a weekend life drawing class for high school students in 2013. While Aunger and Tychonievich apply paint in very different ways, both approach the process with an intense appreciation of light and color. 

Aunger’s crisp acrylic paintings capture quiet everyday scenes of windows, doors, fences, and spaces around her home. When we slow down and pay attention, we are able to recognize patterns and learn the seasons and cycles of these places. The intentional observation the paintings stem from brings with it a sense of reverence and care. Compositional adjustments idealize and simplify the scene and remove distractions to extend the brevity of the moment. These moments encourage the viewer to reflect on their own interactions with space. 

Tychonievich’s work reflects their identity as an ‘Intuitive Realist’ within the context of contemporary painting. Their images reflect the structure of traditional perceptual realism painting methods balanced with the authenticity of artistic intuition. These two practices come together to form visuals that straddle the line between the realistic and the fantastical. In Thresholds, Tychonievich uses this visual painting language to explore metaphors of interpersonal relationships and identities. Using textured, floral, and figurative elements, the paintings mimic the reality of their inspiration while pushing the boundaries of recognition.  

Thresholds showcases the works of two friends who’ve supported each other from the very beginnings of their careers in the arts, who can’t wait to see each other continue to grow and thrive!