Anne's Visual Art Studio gallery cordially invites You to Typo Ex, Exhibition of Typographic Expressionism by Brian Vliet with a Collaboration with Emily Vliet on display May 1 - 30, 2026.
Come to our Opening Reception First Friday May 1, 2026 from 6-9pm. Meet our featured artists and talk with them about their artwork. Mingle with some of our resident artists, shop their art and our gallery shop while enjoying Live Music graciously provided by “AuriKa.” Join Robin McLeod, Louis Schwartz (guitars), Bryan Martin (bass) and Hunter Duke (percussion) of AuriKa for ‘psonic tranceport’ with instrumental originals & improvs. Light Refreshments. Doors open at 4 PM to Preview and shop early.
Brian Vliet - Artist Statement
My name is Brian Vliet, and I am a graphic designer by trade. Typo Ex, Typographic Expressionism, is my response to the quiet exhaustion of modern life. The endless cycle of productivity, conformity, and self-doubt that sometimes destroys critical thinking and individuality, leaving us feeling drained and disillusioned My practice integrates digital and analog methods, merging the structure of graphic design with the tactile practice of traditional artmaking. I often begin with original poetry or lyrics, using them as conceptual anchors for each piece. Through typography, pen and ink, paint, photo manipulation, and collage with found or handmade materials, I layer thoughts and textures much like the way anxieties accumulate in the mind. The resulting compositions are marked by distorted type, abrasive textures, and manipulated imagery, forming a visual language that is both fractured and composed.
Working in a mixed media capacity allows me to explore the friction between human identity and mechanical routine. Each piece becomes both a confrontation and a form of release really; a reflection of the struggle to maintain a sense of self in a culture obsessed with speed, image, and output.
Ultimately, Typo Ex captures the tension between person and system, human and machine, emotion and structure.
It's an ongoing attempt to reclaim mental and creative space within the status quo of modern existence.
Typo Ex will include a few collaborative pieces with special guest artist Emily Vliet. Brian and Emily Vliet will create using the centuries old parlor game, Exquisite Corpse, where one artist will draw on paper then cover it up, leaving just a hint of what they’ve drawn exposed and pass it to the other artist to finish. Once complete, the covered section will be revealed and the series of drawings/mixed media art works will be on display with Brian Vliet’s mixed media pieces in Typo Ex.
Brian Vliet received his graduate degree 2023 MPS in Business of Art and Design at the Maryland Institute College of Art. He lives with his wife, Emily Vliet and their cat in Henrico, VA.
Images: “Disgracer” and “Error-Overload” by Brian Vliet, 12” x 12” Mixed Media on Paper
annes Visual Art Studio gallery
208 West Broad Street / RVA / 23220
Spring Gallery Hours:
Wednesdays - Saturdays 12-5pm,
by reply, Curbside, RVA Delivery
First Fridays 4-9pm and
by Appointment (804) 644-1368
Online 24/7, 365
Closed May 23 for Memorial Day Weekend
