KATIE GAMB

THROUGH WOODLANDS DARK

solo exhibition

October 25th - November 16th, 2025

Reception: First Friday, November 7th from 5-9pm

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Arch Enemy Arts presents THROUGH WOODLANDS DARK by Katie Gamb, fourteen new paintings that capture classic symbols of witchcraft in the artist’s soft and illustrative style. Gamb has a captivating way of painting whimsy with the tone of dark academia. Sweet and tender yet rich and moody, her work reminds us of a doleful Beatrix Potter but with more seductive depth. The emotional complexity Gamb is able to achieve is in large part thanks to her masterful technique of painting in oils and her illustrative popsurreal style of realism. 

 

“I would like to convey a sense of hope and mischief, a search for magic in a world that seems bent on removing all of it. I really just wanted to have fun with this show after coming out of a bit of a creative block; I needed something to keep my mind from drifting into pessimism. Thinking about the different archetypes of witchcraft was my way of keeping my mind on alternative ways of ‘fighting the power’ of the patriarchy…It feels like we are headed into dark times, and it’s important to consider ways we’ll move through them to the other side.” - Katie Gamb

 

The metaphor of darkness is fitting for this series, as chiaroscuro plays a major role. Each piece is situated atop an endless black backdrop, uncharacteristic of Gamb’s work, but a move that makes the subjects of THROUGH WOODLANDS DARK levitate forward from the depths. A narrative blend of folk horror stories and children’s fables, the series has the perfect combination of occult magic and childlike wonder, where everything is painted rich and warm and dark.

 

Katie Gamb (b. 1987) is based in Milwaukee where she graduated with a degree in Illustration from the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. She began showing with Arch Enemy Arts in 2022, and THROUGH WOODLANDS DARK is her second solo feature with the gallery. ​

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THROUGH WOODLANDS DARK will be on view from October 25th - November 16th, 2025
Sold works will begin to ship the week starting November 23rd unless other rush arrangements have been made.

Payment plan options are available on most works.

All items marked with a red dot have been sold. 

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