Echoes of Opulence, a maximalist group exhibition curated by Cleveland Institute of Art senior Izzy Thomas, reimagines the ornate, indulgent aesthetics of 18th century Rococo art through a contemporary lens.

Drawing on themes of extravagance, performative elegance, and decorative femininity, Echoes of Opulence examines how today’s image-saturated culture mirrors—and challenges—the visual indulgences of the past. In a digital age dominated by curated identities and consumer excess, the exhibition reclaims beauty, fantasy and detail as layered expressions of rebellion, identity and personal freedom.

Echoes of Opulence features artwork by 31 artists from Cleveland and central Ohio. Through bold imagery and intricate design, the works expose tensions between surface and substance, inviting viewers to reconsider the cultural value of ornamentation in a society that often sidelines softness, femininity and leisure.

Echoes of Opulence will open from 4 to 9pm Friday, September 19 in Gallery 202 (1300 W. 78th St., Suite 202, Cleveland). Gallery 202 is inside 78th Street Studios, and the open reception will be part of the monthly Third Fridays art walk.

A preview reception will be held from 4 to 7pm Wednesday, September 17. This includes a Q&A with participating artists. This event will be held in conjunction with a preview reception for Get The Picture?, a two-person exhibition that includes 1986 CIA alum Mark Howard at HEDGE Gallery (1300 W. 78th St., Suite 200, Cleveland).

A closing event for Echoes of Opulence will be held from 4 to 7pm Wednesday, October 1. This event will include a panel discussion led by Thomas.

Participating artists
Rowan Booth
Owen Britt
Everson Brooks
Julissa Bruno
Dominic Dabramo
Victoria Fields
Skylar Fleming
Emily Fontana
Finn Fuehrer
Audrey Magdics
Kathleen O'Hara
Jazzalyn Palma
Connie Pieper
Ian Rapp
Daria Schneiderman
Sebastian
Izzy Thomas
Michael Wagner
Casey Wehrman
Julie York
Sage Zargari

Echoes of Opulence was organized through CIA's Creativity Works program, which is made possible by the generous support of the Fenn Educational Fund and the G.R. Lincoln Family Foundation. Creativity Works is a self-initiated internship program with the goal of supporting a student's professional development. Participating students create proposals that align with their long-term professional goals.

Image: "Under the Spotlight" by Izzy Thomas

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