show don't tell: implied narratives. marsha balian | april 2 - 25, 2026
The Imperfecta Gallery is excited to present Show, Don’t Tell: Implied Narratives, a solo show featuring new works by California artist Marsha Balian. In Show, Don’t Tell, Balian explores the intersection between visual and written stories. Her narrative work invites the viewer to conjure their own interpretations of what they see in a dynamic rather than a literal way. There are implicit narratives in the many layers of each complex piece, intended to evoke memories or ignite the viewer’s imagination. And the different, often disparate elements encourage repeated attention, which can generate new stories and meaning for the viewer.
The artwork in Show, Don’t Tell is mixed media and includes decades worth of found materials and ephemera. Balian has meticulously employed drawing, painting, and collage in each piece. She is self-taught and has applied her own faux encaustic formula to the art in this show. She does not plan her work in advance and loves the element of mystery and surprise as she waits to see where the work itself takes her.
About the artist
Marsha Balian’s artwork has been shown throughout much of California, many parts of the country and internationally. Her work is placed in hospitals, a library and private collections. She has been featured in many publications, including Contemporary Collage Magazine in England and Collage in International Contemporary Art in Hungary. She was included in Collage by Women: 50 Women Collage Artists of the World, published in Spain and widely successful internationally.
Read the Press Release here.
show don't tell. explore the collection
