Bitfactory Gallery is pleased to present From Under the Armillaria, a solo exhibition by Isabella Briganti. Briganti’s artworks are combination of classic figure painting with abstraction of the body, surrealist elements, and mimics of natural phenomenon. The show explores the intricacies of interpersonal relationships, societal networks, and the reflection of these in nature—observations of longing, pain, betrayal, comfort, grief, and confusion.
The public is invited to the Opening Receptionon Third Friday September 18, 6-9 PM, and to stop by during the First Friday Art Walk on October 2, 6-9 PM and the visit during regular business hours from September 18 – October 10, 2026.
The name of the show refers to genus of the honey fungus Armillaria ostoyae. This fungus is the largest known living organism by area and mass, however, the definition of what constitutes an individual in the world of mycology can be blurry. Conceptually, this is mirrored in human relationships–how they can fall apart from miscommunication, not only on a singular scale but on communal and global scales as well. The fractal patterns in the mycelial imagery serve as a reminder of connection, visible and invisible, and of consequences, intended or otherwise. Habits from one are picked up by another, body language is interpreted and reflected, interests are shared, bonds are formed. Who is to say where one person ends and another begins? What kind of marks do we leave on one another that will last a lifetime? Briganti ruminates upon these concepts through a single group of models, painting some in clear settings and representations while others in more unfocused and nebulous compositions.
This series was initially funded by a grant she received at the completion of her MCA Denver’s Creators Studio Internship in 2024. Modeling was done by a volunteer group within a local dance company and references for mycological material were gathered by the artist through the Denver Botanical Gardens.
Isabella Briganti (she/they) is an artist born, raised, and residing in Denver. She graduated in Fall 2023 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Practices at the University of Colorado Denver, with an emphasis in Drawing and Painting, a sub-emphasis in Illustration, and a minor in Biology. Briganti has shown her work in more than twenty exhibitions and has worked with galleries and artists such as Jaime Molina, Oliver Herring, and the Emmanuel Gallery.
Please join us for the opening reception this Friday, September 18, from 6:00–9:00 PM.
The exhibition will remain on view through October 10. We hope you’ll join us Friday evening to experience the work in person.
Isabella Briganti - From Under the Armillaria
September 18 – October 10, 2026
Opening Reception: Friday, September 18 | 6:00–9:00 PM
Gallery hours are Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM and by appointment.