Art Exhibition: Sentience: Presence as a Way of Seeing, Being & Creating

I’m excited to announce that I have a solo show coming up, at Mid Main Gallery: Sentience: Presence as a Way of Seeing, Being & Creating.

This exhibition, features 20 new abstract paintings, and 3 sculptural, deconstructed paintings, that aim to induce the experience of Sentience—an extreme awareness of one’s inner thoughts, feelings, and sensations through the experience of abstract art.

Transcendence by AVM Hawkins; 36 (H) x 24 (W) inches, Acrylic, Crayon, Graphite, Oil Pastels & Mixed Media on Canvas.

I use the experience of creating and viewing art as an interactive metaphor for humanity’s inherent ability not only to perceive and experience the world around us, but also to perceive and experience our inner world.

As humans, we are aware of our own thoughts and emotions, and we have the ability to empathize with the feelings of others. 

With the rise of AI technology, my proposed answer to the question of what distinguishes Artificial Intelligence from Human Beings, is Sentience—the ability to feel, perceive and experience sensations within as an additional means to process information.

Sentience invites the viewer to use extreme presence as a means of seeing, being and creating in their everyday life, through the contemplation of each work, and the experience of the sensations that arise within.

Cherry Blossom by AVM Hawkins, 36 (H) x 24 (W) inches, Acrylic, Spray Paint, Oil Pastels & Mixed Media on Canvas.

The exhibition considers three components: 1). Creating-  the creative process, 2). Seeing - the experience of viewing art, and 3). Being -the experience of everyday life.

Through the exhibition, I hope to create a mechanism through which the viewer can have a sentient experience—inviting them to be fully present with each work, take the time to allow it in, and become aware of what words, emotions, inner sensations, thoughts, and ideas that arise within.

Vital by AVM Hawkins, 36 (H) x 24 (W) inches, Acrylic, Latex & Mix Media on Canvas.

Opening Reception:

Thursday October 1st, 2026

Mid Main Lofts

3550 Main St. Houston, TX

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Save the date. Mark your calendars and invite friends.

I hope to see you there.