Sometimes, in the quiet corners of our day, we hear that gentle voice inside urging us to keep moving forward, to reach for something brighter, and to believe that better days are just around the corner. That feeling—that hope—sits at the heart of the Latin phrase Ad Meliora, meaning “toward better things.”
On April 10th at 12 PM SLT, we’d be so happy to welcome you to Souland Gallery for a special look at Zia Branner’s latest work, inspired by resilience and hope.
The Pulse of Moving Forward
For Zia, making art is a little like watching a beautiful film in her own mind—a “Kopfkino”—where big questions and lovely words from many languages come together in pictures. In AD MELIORA, she’s inspired by nature’s quiet strength: the gentle flow of a stream, the wild rush of a landslide. For her, these are metaphors for how we move through our own challenges and the bigger questions of our world.
This particular piece started small—a 20×20 cm canvas, painted in vibrant acrylics and mixed media. But it’s bursting with energy and meaning, reminding us that even the tiniest canvas can hold huge dreams and ideas. It’s just a glimpse of the larger works Zia is still dreaming up.
A Heartfelt Signature
Like her recent works—SAUDADE, ESPELHO, and SEHNSUCHT—AD MELIORA is painted straight from the heart. Zia has a gift for connecting what we see with what we feel, layering materials and meaning to add warmth and depth to everyday moments.
To make this afternoon even more special, we’re delighted to have the talented Carelyna setting the musical mood. Her music will be the perfect companion to Zia’s art, wrapping together sound and color into an experience that’s sure to touch your soul.
Whether Zia is painting about longing for more or the courage to keep moving forward, her work reminds us that we’re all on this journey together—each of us reaching, in our own way, toward better things.
We’d love for you to join us, experience the art, soak in the music, and share in this hopeful moment.
Souland Gallery – Zia Branner Gallery
