CREATIVELY PENSIVE

Moved!

2008-10-22T12:36:00.005-05:00

Just to let the [few] people who read my blog know that I've moved to WordPress... and will be blogging about a variety of topics instead of strictly art criticism/exhibition reviews. Please find and link me there: http://ragazzapoliedrica.wordpress.com

Thank you, Blogger, for 2 years of cool layouts and internet space.

An IMPORTANT [art-related] ISSUE to consider during Election '08

2008-10-13T19:59:00.007-05:00

If you care about the arts and how it might survive in this dwindling economy, perhaps this article below will help you decide who to vote for...

Taken from: Shelley Esaak's blog on about.com/arthistory

Over the past week we've seen trading tickers and Presidential campaign tactics sink to new lows and, I have to be honest with you, both are very distracting. Sort of like a slow-motion train wreck playing in a seven-day loop--you (and here by "you" I totally mean "me") know it's bad to watch, and you know watching is not going to accomplish anything, yet it takes an almost superhuman effort to peel your eyes away. "He said," "She said," "They said," infinity, with ad nauseam commentary from talking heads, many of whom I don't believe capable of feeding my dog let alone telling me what to think. My brain feels like an overstimulated hamster running on its wheel, not knowing or caring why it's running in the first place.

As you yourself may have discovered, such 24/7 drama isn't conducive to writing or speaking English words and arranging them into coherent sentences. So it came as a relief to be jolted back to my senses by a post on MUSEUM-L, a listserv to which I subscribe and recommend to anyone in the museum community. The "$3 million (USD) overhead projector earmark" comment from the Tuesday, October 7, 2008 debate naturally came up on the list, which led to further discussion about the candidates' positions on arts funding in general. This in turn led to a lister posting the enormously helpful link to the Americans for the Arts Action Fund's page entitled ArtsVote2008. In alphabetical order and without further ado:

The Candidates' Positions on the Arts

Senator John McCain (Republican Party)
Senator Barack Obama (Democratic Party)

Yea! Political, but pertinent to this community. Before you say anything, I thought about including other political parties' positions on the arts, but didn't for two reasons. (1) I couldn't find them, though I *did* look, and (2) let's be realistic. One of the two Senators above will be the President-elect of the United States on November 5. All that's really up in the air is which of these two candidates best represents your interests.

Just some food for thought... in light of all the recent ugliness both campaigns are guilty of.

Dalle Ore SHINES alle ORE

2008-06-26T17:08:00.004-05:00

The Affordable Art Fair in New York City boasts to be the place for collectors and art enthusiasts to discover and purchase quality contemporary art from emerging and mid-level artists. Like any art shown in a group, it is possible to find some excellent galleries showing cutting-edge, progressive art alongside some not so wise choices. In my opinion, the star of AAF NYC 2008 is the young French artist Corinne Dalle Ore.

******

Mixed media works by Corinne Dalle Ore at the 2008 Affordable Art Fair, NYC.
Photography by Laura M. Kuah

Corinne Dalle Ore (b. 1969, Saint-Tropez) began painting in her hometown at the age of 14. Since then, she has studied art in the United States and at the Académie Charpentier (Paris). The artist then furthered her studies at the prestigious Ateliers de la Grande Chaumière, one of the most famous art schools in Paris. The Salon d’Art et d’Essai in Saint Tropez collaborated with Dalle Ore in 1998, as a part of the “Young Contemporary Artist” exhibition, and enabled her to sell 100+ paintings via auction in cities such as London, New York and Singapore. Dalle Ore is represented by Paris-based art gallery Envie d’Art, “a new generation art gallery” and has also exhibited extensively at various art fairs and galleries in London, Brussels, Glasglow and New York.

Inspired by the events and conditions of everyday existence, Corinne Dalle Ore creates a strong body of visually compelling paintings that are constantly evolving. Her art is centered on themes where body, text and form intertwine to echo a harmonious interpretation of daily living. Dalle Ore’s subject matter ranges from kitchen utensils to symbols of the fashion world, pop culture icons to famous cityscapes. These subjects are then rendered on the canvas alongside her elongated, hand-written typography. Sometimes ambiguous, most other times literal, the artist’s mode of expression is one that communicates directly, without the need for rigid interpretation.

London Portobello / 2008 / mixed media / 100 x 100 cm

Although Corinne’s oil on canvas works are colorful and strong, it is perhaps her mixed media works that stand out amongst others in her oeuvre. I am particularly fond of the series she painted of famous world cities, such as London, New York and Paris. Here, Corinne builds these large-scale paintings layer-by-layer, using scraps of newspaper until the original canvas (and whatever used to lie underneath) is obscured, changed and replaced. She then paints over the background and sets the stage for image to mingle with text. In London Portobello, 2008 (pictured above), the stylistic elements of this painting (raw “printed” typography, red tulips and the official symbol of London: the double decker bus) are combined to give the viewers an introspective look into the mind of a young French artist’s interpretation of London.

Another favorite subject matter of mine are the pop icons Dalle Ore uses in her work, such as the Frida Kahlo in the mixed media painting Diego Te Adoro, 2008 (pictured below). Here, Frida is seated like a goddess in the center of the canvas, in a cross-legged meditation position. Her hands are folded in her lap and eyes gazing out into space. She is depicted wearing a simple red robe over her more contemporary outfit of a black and white striped shirt under a neon pink jumper, complete with a long gold chain adorned with red and green jewels. Over the strips of newspaper in the background, Dalle Ore has added what appears to be painted, flowery wallpaper (grey and white), continuing her painted tulips motif (now in pink) around Frida. In her famous painted typography, the artist has also written the following message (to Diego Rivera) in Spanish: Diego, I adore you. We will never join ourselves, but always for Mexico. Though many consider this a tribute to the most influential Mexican artists in the history of art, one must also wonder if this painting shadows Corinne Dalle Ore’s own experience with her lover.

Diego Te Adoro / 2008 / mixed media / 100 x 100 cm

As empathetic beings, we feel compelled to make sense of how Corinne expresses her emotions visually. With little pictorial guidance, we make associations to help us better understand the artist and where she is coming from. Corinne does not believe in mass production, and prefers to let each painting speak for itself. She is a contemporary Toulouse-Lautrec, with the playful imagery of Keith Harring and the humor of Andy Warhol. Her work is vibrant, passionate and honest – indeed, great art that allows us to connect with the artist before we have a chance to think about why.

Sources:
http://www.enviedart.com (biography and photo gallery)
http://www.editionsbraun.fr (article on C.D.O.)

Envie D'art
29 Boulevard Raspail
Paris, 75007
France
tel: 33 6 09 65 49 35
catherine@enviedart.com
http://www.enviedart.com

Opening soon...

2008-04-24T12:49:00.006-05:00

If you are in the DC Area, please stop by to see this exhibition [and pay me a visit]...

Gretchen Feldman: "stitches in time, etc."

Opening Reception: Saturday, May 10 from 5:30 until 8:30 pm

New paintings by NYC abstract watercolorist Gretchen Feldman will be featured in a solo exhibition at the Nevin Kelly Gallery from May 7 to June 1, 2008. Feldman’s abstract watercolors are influenced by images of the past (antique quilt patterns) and present (microscopic imagery from scientific studies).

CONTACT:
Nevin Kelly Gallery
1517 U Street, NW
Washington DC 20009
[e]: laura@nevinkellygallery.com
[t]: 202.232.3464
[url]: http://www.nevinkellygallery.com and http://nevinkellygallery.blogspot.com

How far will you go in the name of ART?

2008-04-14T13:12:00.005-05:00

From:http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7344381.stm

RIP Pippa Bacca
'World peace' hitcher is murdered

Ms di Marineo (above) was hitch-hiking to the Middle East with a fellow artist.

An Italian woman artist who was hitch-hiking to the Middle East dressed as a bride to promote world peace has been found murdered in Turkey. The naked body of Giuseppina Pasqualino di Marineo, 33, known as Pippa Bacca, was found in bushes near the northern city of Gebze on Friday.

She had said she wanted to show that she could put her trust in the kindness of local people.
Turkish police say they have detained a man in connection with the killing. Reports say the man led the police to the body.

Autopsy

Ms di Marineo was hitch-hiking from Milan to Israel and the Palestinian Territories with a fellow artist on their "Brides on Tour" project. They had separated in Istanbul, planning to reunite in Beirut. Ms di Marineo was last seen on 31 March in Gebze.

An Italian embassy official told the Associated Press news agency police tracked the man when he put a new SIM card into Ms di Marineo's mobile phone. Local media identified the suspect only by the initials MK and said he had a previous conviction for theft.

Ms di Marineo's sister, who had gone to Turkey to look for her, identified the body. An autopsy is being conducted in Istanbul.

"Her travels were for an artistic performance and to give a message of peace and of trust, but not everyone deserves trust," another sister, Maria, told the Italian news agency, Ansa.

MILESTONE 100

2008-04-10T18:32:00.007-05:00

This was taken yesterday, April 9th 2008 for DAY 100 of PROJECT 365 on Flickr. The idea was inspired after browsing some other photos online, and trying to recreate the effect made with sparklers and a long exposure. Can't believe I made it this far with missing only ONE day. You should all try photographing yourself everyday for a year sometime! For an update on the rest of my progress, click here.

Lent Journey 2007: Sonya Berg

2008-03-17T08:42:00.006-05:00

Lent is the 40 day liturgical season in which the Church as a whole enters into an extended retreat. In Western Christianity, these forty days before Easter are typically marked by fasting and other acts of penance, in order to draw one towards a deeper relationship with God. Today, many Christians choose to give up a favorite food or drink (chocolate and alcohol tops these lists) during this time. They may also decide to take on a Lenten discipline instead, such as devotions, prayer or charity work in a variety of forms.

As an artist, Sonya Berg committed herself in exploring the tension between the hope and chaos of living daily during Lent 2007. For a period of 40 days total/6 days a week [not including Sundays], Berg challenged herself by making a collection of 4'' x 4'', abstract squares in a variety of materials and color. She wanted to intertwine the relationship between the art-making process and her personal faith that reflects the beauty of Creation in the imperfect world around us. The final outcome resulted in a beautifully coherent, mixed media body of works birthed out of daily meditation and the utmost discipline.

It is obvious that loads of diligence and hard work went into this project. Each day and square is different: some are more abstract that others; a few exude massive amounts of color, while others present a more monochromatic palate. Berg explains that her art-making process during the 40 days of Lent was not only birthed out of a state of personal meditation, prayer and scripture reading, but also with the audience in mind. These works also serve as a proclamation to presence of the Creator in her life, that art is of great matter and inspires change to help us engage in daily joys and suffering. In this exhibition, Berg has successfully bridged the cultural gap by creating art that is accessible to anyone's journey in life.

Berg's works from Lent Journey 2007 was recently on display at the Philadelphia Cathedral. This large Romanesque complex, built in the style of an early Christian basilica, was the appropriate venue for this exhibition. On opposite sides of the nave, starting from the left and working its way around the cathedral, passing the baptistry and to the right, Sonya Berg's 40 4'' x 4'' squares were mounted in 10 pairs of 4's on the walls. Just as the architectural design and furniture prods one to reclaim their Christian roots, the purposeful yet powerful positioning of Berg's artwork speaks to the journey of exploring the mysteries of faith, which is the call of God in each of our lives.

To see a slideshow from the show's opening, please click here.

******

Sonya Berg graduated from Messiah College (Grantham, PA) in 2005 with a BA in Studio Art. She is currently pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts in Studio Art at the University of Texas, Austin and has exhibited in churches, cafes and galleries nationwide. Though her style is constantly changing and evolving, Sonya specializes in abstract, mixed media painting and prints. For more information, please visit http://www.sonyaberg.com .

Makin' the Headlines

2008-03-06T14:45:00.005-05:00

Hey everyone! The month of February was uber-crazy, but I'm back, with a few updates on my latest creative endeavors!

GIRL POWER RE-VISITED :: an evening with the Spice Girls

Can I let you in on my guilty pleasure? I was among the esteemed privileged to see the Spice Girls during their final (?) Reunion Tour at the Verizon Center in DC, on 21 February 2008. If you put two and two together, you will realize that I was an original Spice Girls' fan in their heyday of the late 1990s and, as a shy/insecure teenager, would not have even considered doing half the crazy things I've done in my life if it weren't for their endless promoting of the GIRL POWER slogan. The show was extraordinary [and worth every $ paid], like a post-modern Broadway musical, with its many set/costume changes and special effects. It was a celebration of each individual Spice Girl and what she had accomplished over the years, as well as a tribute to their families and loyal fans. Highlights included the Posh Catwalk, Mel B's Lenny solo, Mel C's powerhouse solo performance of "I Turn to You" and last but certainly not least, the confetti pour down at the end of the show. I was able to get some really good concert photos from my 33rd row seat, and got some published on this Toronto-based online magazine called Now Public. Those photos can be viewed here, along with my album on Flickr.

And speaking of photos....

PROJECT 365 :: UPDATE UPDATE!!!

It's still alive and kickin*... taking a photo of yourself (or some part of yourself) every day for a year is serious business, but it has allowed me to stretch my creativity in unimaginable ways. Click here to see my progress, and enjoy the photo below which was taken on Leap Year Day 2008! Digital photography is amazing!

Finally...

My friend Emily and I recently got accepted to present our research [to be conducted, that is] at the Transforming Museums Conference in Seattle this May! Unfortunately, she won't be able to make it so it'll just be yours truly at the poster presentation. We're discussing curating methods in an era where art is solely considered the commodity and nothing of intrinsic value, so stay tuned for more ramblings about said topic to come.

Stay ARTSY, and make room for creativity in your life!

40x26.667

2008-02-06T23:08:00.000-05:00

I used to think alternative exhibition space was a rarity in this town we call Washington DC; that is, until I made a pit stop at Caramel Boutique (16th and U Street) one chilly, Friday evening to attend the opening of 40x26.667. At this chic clothing store, I found an eclectic mix of photos ranging from the wild and rough terrain landscape of central Spain to the abstract, minimalist architecture of New York City, photos that were peeking out around racks of stylish, avant-garde party dresses and accessories. Local photographers Mark Parascandola (repped by the Nevin Kelly Gallery) and Stirling Elmendorf collaborated in this stunning photographic exhibition, which opened on 25 January, and is bound to leave lasting impression on those who view it.

After making my rounds and chatting with Mark about his photographic interests, I quickly realized that the eye is indeed the entrance to a photographer's creative soul. The challenge for every photographer is to find subjects and shoot in locations that are compelling not only for them, but for you, the viewer. In order to complete this task successfully, one needs to question the following: what has been done before? what can I do better or different from the rest? ... and ultimately, what subjects will force me to take a risk and please the viewers around me?

This day in age, with digital photography being the absolute norm (and a bunch of "wannabes" out there who think they make beautiful pictures), photographers need to constantly be aware of what is going on around them. They must have their camera + equipment by their side 24/7 in order to be at the right place at the right time to document interesting aspects of the subject that is commonly overlooked by the tourist taking a random snapshot of a famous monument in Europe. Good technique is not impossible to learn; it is simply a matter of practice and loads of patience. One must be able to see beauty in the mundane, and recreate it: exceedingly well. Thus is the life story of Mark and Stirling, who have traveled all over the globe to produce these amazing photographs.

I, of course, categorize myself in the "wannabe" section and did my own photographic capturing of the opening, which can be found here. Hope you enjoy them!

40x26.667 is on view from now until Leap Year Day, 29 February 2008. Stop by and see it if you haven't done so already.

An IDEAL Mix-Up: Opening this Saturday

2008-01-24T14:02:00.000-05:00

Please join us THIS Saturday, 26 January 2008 at 4pm for a lecture on Polish art by gallery director Nevin Kelly. Refreshments will follow the talk...

An Ideal Mix-Up: A Winter Group Exhibition at the NKG
January 16 - February 24, 2008

A group exhibition that includes works by the contemporary Polish artists that helped launch the gallery in May 2003 and the many local artists who have joined the gallery along the way. The exhibition celebrates both the gallery's origins and its development as a platform for showcasing emerging trends in local art. Unlike most group shows, which remain static during their entire run, works in this show will be hung and re-hung in stages as works are sold or anchor pieces are moved to share the spotlight. The exhibition will feature works by local artists Sondra Arkin, Joan Belmar, Ellyn Weiss, Mary Chiaramonte and Laurel Hausler and by Polish artists Edward Dwurnik, Darek Pala, Krzysztof Kokoryn, Pawel Król, Lukasz Huculak and Michal Zaborowski.

Laura M. Kuah, Gallery Assistant
Nevin Kelly Gallery
1517 U Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009

Tel.: 202-232-3464
Fax: 202-232-3465
E-mail: laura@nevinkellygallery.com
Web: www.nevinkellygallery.com
and http://nevinkellygallery.blogspot.com

Published!

2008-01-05T10:24:00.000-05:00

I am excited to share that one of my photos have been PUBLISHED in the Milan - Neighborhood Guide online via Flickr. To view, click here, scroll down to "Porta Romana" (the neighborhood this is featured in) and look to the right of the screen. My Flickr alias is Pookalali08 and this is the famous photo that was included in this month's guide!

forward to the future :: happy 2008

2008-01-03T19:07:00.000-05:00

A new year, a new beginning - time to shred away the old you and embrace what is to come. 2007 was an amazing, whirlwind of a year filled with adventures that took my ARTISTIC career to the next level. Studying Asian art at Sotheby's Institute - London, attending art fairs such as MiArt in Milan and ArteFiera in Bologna, traveling to Istanbul to admire the art of the Islamic world and finally, finishing out my graduate studies with a BANG by taking on an internship at Le Case d'Arte in Milan! The latter part of 2007 turned out to be uneventful for the most part, besides my part-time collaboration with the Nevin Kelly Gallery and a desire to figure out where this passion is taking me in life. Nonetheless, I have high hopes for 2008 and look forward to whatever it throws in my face.

Some of my professional/artistic goals for 2008 include [but are not limited to]:

[x] Finding a full-time job with a decent salary I can live off, with an organization that is at least semi-involved with the arts and learn as much as possible
[x] Submit paper abstracts, get published and maybe even present my research
[x] Get some freelance digital photography & art criticism gigs
[x] Attend as many art fairs/exhibitions/festivals as possible - and blog about them
[x] Get my mojo back as far as creativity goes

In attempts to revive my creative side and get the juices flowin', I've taken on a huge challenge [as of this morning]:

I am now a participant of the 365 Days Project on Flickr. By taking self-portraits for a total of 365 consecutive days, I hope to awake the muse within and play around with the myriad of functions (some of which I didn't even know existed!) on my camera. Since some people consider me borderline narsasisstic due to my obsessiveness with taking random shots of myself, why not experiment in all directions and share my creations on the web? After all, this project, no matter what happens, is ultimately the celebration of my life! Isn't that what art is all about? Anyway, check back often for the updated set.

Cheers to life, and may 2008 be a memorable one!

transforming museums

2007-12-20T09:42:00.001-05:00

In light of the holidays, I thought I'd take a break from blogging about NKG's artists and include a portion of thoughts that I've brainstormed for several upcoming paper proposals that my friend Emily and I are working on - the most recent being for the Transforming Museums conference that is due in less than 3 weeks. Feedback or any kind of constructive commenting is greatly appreciated as I piece this abstract together [that means YOU, the reader, has to comment and comment well]. Happy Holidays!

:: TOPIC ::

How do we transform museums? By putting together unconventional exhibits and display art that goes against the norm of typical museum practices – to have a healthy dose of resonance and wonder, to educate people, to address to the general public questions that are “politically incorrect”, that forces them to think outside the box, to tell the truth when presenting historical exhibits (such as the history of colonization), to extend beyond the visual interpretation and cater to all five senses of our human existence, to question the museum as a space and use it for other (more meaningful) purposes

Who is leading these transformations? Museums in the UK and Europe, and also in Asia. Most definitely NOT in the United States (although some can allude influence given in place such as NYC, Miami and California)... mostly contemporary art museums, though I believe this can also exist in other museums. The V&A in London is a great example of this. The Venice Biennale is an eve better example, though not a museum, was amazing in adhering to all of these transformations.

How do we define transformation? Transformation in museums perpetuates when these age-old institutions stops being “a colossal mirror where man finds himself literally an object of wonder” and visitors begin to experience liminality (which, characterized by ambiguity, openness, and indeterminacy, can also be denoted as a period of transition, during which your ordinary limits to self-understanding, thought and behavior are relaxed) in the changes that are taking place.

Why are these transformations taking place? Because people like ME are sick and tired of seeing the same, boring, "Blockbuster" exhibits in museums worldwide… because art that thinks outside the box does no longer exists as a painting on the wall… because the mission of contemporary art is to act not only as a creative (or not so creative) form of human expression, but a catalyst to ask questions, to seek answers, to respond, to experiment, to instill meaning (or lack thereof) and to create a fluidity of meaning in order to exploit some kind of physical representation that links both the viewer and creator of the artwork together. On the international level, it is also accurate to state that contemporary art takes an even bigger risk not only in unconventional media, but also in subject matter that might be highly offensive to the general public (usually having to do with nudity, politics, religion, homosexuality and horrific events in history of humanity – wars, slavery, famines, genocide)… and because it makes things more interesting, as a breath of fresh air is always needed.

Are there discernible patterns in this change? There better be. It’s all a matter of time and how much money people have to re-create museums, and the response of the audience of course… as well as how many risks museums are willing to take without losing the sponsorship of their patrons.

Merry see, merry do...

2007-12-07T18:36:00.000-05:00

In an age of technological advancement, it is difficult to remember that life can be lived without constant access to our ipod(s), computers and cell phones. The average person is bombarded daily with a million more images than those who lived during the Middle Ages. It also seems that today, many parents spoil their kids with all latest gadgets and promote little human interaction in return. Not very long ago, Mary Chiaramonte’s parents did the exact opposite.

Local artist Mary Chiaramonte was raised the old fashioned way in Harmony, WV, a remote town of no more than 100 residents in the early 1980s. Growing up, Mary and her siblings had no TV and lived off of and worked on the land. They were encouraged to entertain themselves with objects in nature, thereby turning twigs into toys. As a result, Mary was left with the workings of her imagination and observation of the world around her to produce amazing paintings and drawings.

For as long as she could remember, Mary’s interest was in the visual depiction of the human story. As a child attending a Ringling Brothers Show with her family, Mary paid more attention to the people in the audience than the performers on stage. She is the kind of person who enjoys sitting on a park bench and watching the world go by. The thing that drives her day to day is knowing about other people and the lives they lead.

Though some may consider her work to be more on the darker side (due to the artist’s choice of a melancholic color palate), Mary’s heavily lacquered paintings explore the most intimate moments of the human experience. In her unique oeuvre, she “rejoices with those who rejoice and weeps with those who weep.” Mary’s paintings are personal and represent both the reactions of the persons depicted, and her own. Obvious symbolism also occurs in her paintings, such as a heart cut in two, roses and a string of dead fruit. The best part is that no matter what feelings are conveyed, Mary always leaves an air of mystery and personal interpretation in each piece created. This happens when images are cropped, she emphasizes her graphic style and certain body parts are purposely not shown.

One of my favorite works by Mary Chiaramonte is currently featured in NKG’s Third Annual Attainable Art show. Daylights (pictured above: 2007, mixed media, 20 x 16 in.) shows a female torso wearing a black dress from chest down, walking in the middle of a double-yellow lined road. This story takes place at night, and the figure is surrounded by five small, illuminating balls of light. The bottom part of the figure shines while the top morphs into the dark of the night. Given the intriguing cropping of the figure at bust level and a brilliant imagination, one can only begin to surmise the powerful story behind this painting.

***
Mary once said that she hopes to successfully document the lives of those she comes into contact with in her paintings as a way of doing something worthwhile in life. I think she has done just that, if not more. Check out her extraordinary paper-cuts at her official website, www.merrysee.com

Holiday Open House TOMORROW!

2007-11-30T14:39:00.000-05:00

Deck the WALLS with amazing contemporary artwork...

Just a reminder that NKG's Holiday Open House happens tomorrow afternoon, December 1, 2007 from 4-7pm. Come celebrate the holiday season with us! The Third Annual Attainable Art Show features a variety of artwork under $1500 available for purchase, from both local and international artists. Holiday goodies and drinks will be served. See you all tomorrow!

###

Nevin Kelly Gallery

1517 U Street, NW

Washington, DC 20009

T: 202.232.3464

F: 202.232.3465

E: info@nevinkellygallery.com

Nearest Metro: Dupont Circle (red line) and U Street/Cardozzo (green line).

Lyrical Collagist Rocks DC (and your inner soul?)

2007-11-21T15:25:00.000-05:00

Pictured in this Entry: (1) Duplex and Concentric Green, 2007, mixed media on plywood, 21 x 25 in and (2) Duplex I, 2007, mixed media on plywood, 21 x 25 in

Let's take a closer look at Chilean-born, Washington DC based, lyrical mylar collage mastermind Joan Belmar. Pronounced "Joe-on", Belmar might be unfamiliar to some NKG visitors as he does not yet have a page on our official website, but his work is certainly not to be overlooked! He started out with paintings, but in recent years have moved towards the world of abstract collages. Though one might observe that there are echoes of OP Art and minimalist qualities in his general body of work, Belmar's mixed media collages are certainly one-of-a-kind. They are a reflection of the inner workings of his spirit, and does not immitate the work of anyone else: he is his own, unique person.

Pristine strips of solid-colored mylar are delicately placed under the glass of a plywood frame, constructed into circles of all shape and sizes; some slightly more representational than others. There are usually no more than 4 colors/hues represented simultaneously. Some of these compositions can easily be compared to a 3-dimensional approach to the biological system of the human body, found in the science textbooks of today. Due to his use of modern materials, such as plastic, acetate, mylar and glass, an optical illusion is easily created. Viewing these works allows one's sense of curiosity to leap out, to question the purpose of his art and to be able to reach in and physically feel the materials in order to fully grasp the concept of each collage. Undeniably, there is also a deep sense of nostalgia connected to Belmar's collages that purge the viewers to take a deeper look at their own respective lives in light of his art. The somewhat uncomfortable, tingly sensation never dies, and an air of mystery prevails.

Strongly influenced by Anish Kapoor's scuplture at the Hirshhorn, which depicts a bisected egg painted blue, Belmar's work exists in order for us to test our eyes and abilities to perceive the things that take place around us. His constant exploration with circles (specifically with the mandala principle) helps us realize the importance to constantly access deeper into the levels consciousness, that life is not perfect and that we as humans are all in this together. This is why Belmar creates worlds in his art where some things are clear, others translucent and the latter opaque: it makes the journey of life more interesting to discover.

Prior to moving to the United States in 1999, Belmar lived and experienced "multiple lives" in both Spain and his native Chile. His response to the events of his life are blatantly reflected in his artwork, which he describes with adjectives such as "alienation" and "disconnectedness". Through the daring use of his concentric collages, Belmar excels in his goal to not only examine critical social structures, but also to [psychologically] analyze those who struggle within them; including, himself. It is like reading the artists' autobiography in his artwork, making himself completely vulnerable to the masses and allowing us to respond in light of our own life experiences. Isn't this is what the circle of life is about, after all?

Rivaling the likes of Mark Rothko...

2007-11-16T16:06:00.000-05:00

Here is an Artist Feature I wrote the other day about one of Nevin Kelly Gallery's most prominent local artists: Sondra Arkin. Her work serves as beautiful, abstract meditation pieces, and she is molto passionate about what she does in life. Take that... Mark Rothko!

Pictured Above: Orange Tide, triptych, 2006, encaustic on dibond, each panel 32 x 32 in.

*********
For over 25 years, local DC artist Sondra Arkin has transformed whatever space was available to her at that given point in time (spare bedroom, dining room or basement) into a haven for creative expression. Although art-making was always in her blood throughout the course of her life, it wasn't until 2001 that Sondra took a risk and quit her day job in marketing to pursue art full-time. This huge leap of faith resulted in a myriad of awards, features in newspapers such as The Washington Post, participation in both group/solo shows all over the mid-Atlantic region and most recently, working as a project curator on behalf of the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities on the new City Hall Art Collection @t the John A. Wilson Building downtown. Sondra's colorful, abstract, mixed media canvases, which rival those of Mark Rothko, and imaginative box-construction works have been widely received by local and national audiences alike. She is also a frequent exhibitor at our gallery and will be featured in the Third Annual Attainable Art Show, opening November 24th.

What strikes me the most about Sondra Arkin's work is her ability to create art that is both purposeful and powerful. No matter the size, material used or color combinations (only warm or cool colors, a combination of the two, a more monochromatic palate), Sondra's work never ceases to create a lasting impression for all who come into contact with it. It is not abstract for the sake of being non-representational, but abstract to evoke every little emotion that is hiding behind our imperfect, human façade. There is a distinct type of [positive] energy in her work that forces the viewer to pause, observe and think beyond what is physically represented on the canvas. Furthermore, Sondra's free style of painting caters to just about anyone: the hip, young art school student to children learning their colors for the first time, spiritual soul-seekers and even to those in the professional world who value high aesthetics.

In recent years, Sondra Arkin's unique encaustic (otherwise known as "hot wax painting", which uses heated beeswax to which colored pigments are added -- dates back to 100-300 AD) technique has led the artist to break free from the picture plane approach and make paintings that take on a more sculptural feel. Now, her compositions are not only conceptual and vibrant, but also boast a soft, playfulness of colors that echoes a dichotomy of the combination of diverse materials. She also extends her experimentation of focusing simply on individual work with the inclusion of diptypchs, triptypchs and polytptychs, thereby proding the viewers to look at these pieces as a whole and enhance the conversations further.

Those who attended the Color: Field Tests show back in April/May of this year may remember Sondra's involvement to help promote the citywide Color Field Remix -- a movement from the 1960s that emerged after Abstract Expressionism and is widely characterized by abstract canvases painted with large areas of solid colors. Her entire oeuvre, be it a mixed media collage/box of found objects or a spiritual landscape of vibrant layers of warm colors, has the power to communicate a positive message to the masses: that life, as we know it, is comprised of layers, both good and bad. We as humans will experience both highs and lows in this journey called life, but these feelings are necessary as we stretch, evolve and grow.

Ultimately, Sondra hopes that what surfaces out of these layers of influence is something of value and beauty. By encouraging her viewers to take an introspective approach while confronted with her artwork, Sondra desires that a tangible layer will then be added to our respective lives, which will hopefully enrich it all the more.

SOLD!

2007-11-03T14:34:00.001-05:00

On Thursday, 1 November 2007, I sold my FIRST painting: Michal Zaborowski's After the Race [oil on canvas, 59''x32'', 2007] from the H20 Show at the Nevin Kelly Gallery, 1517 U Street, Washington, DC. Congratulations to the lucky buyers! But don't worry, there are still 11 Zaborowski paintings left to be sold from now until the end of the show.

Spread the word...

A Timeless Snapshot: Michal Zaborowski

2007-10-19T17:46:00.001-05:00

"...a romantic impressionist with a contemporary voice."

I now work for the Nevin Kelly Gallery here off U Street in Washington DC. Our current exhibition is a show entitled H2O by Polish contemporary artist Michal Zaborowski, which opened on October 11, 2007 and will be on view until November 11, 2007. I was going to do an exhibition review, but have volunteered my art criticism services to our official gallery blog which can be found by clicking here. I am responsible for the weekly artist features on NKG's blog. Pop on over there and stay tuned for more of my muses on this exhibition... and, enjoy!

IAM, therefore I create.

2007-10-19T17:38:00.000-05:00

IAM has finally moved to their new, physical, studio space on W. 59th Street in the heart of mid-town Manhattan. IAM gathers artists and creative catalysts to wrestle with the deep questions of art, faith and humanity in order to inspire the community to engage the culture that is and create the world that ought to be.

Art has been and will continue to be society's existential statement, by answering the question, "Why live?" International Arts Movement works as a catalyst in the NYC area and worldwide to inspire people to hope, to engage deeply into the depth of culture, with the hopes of creating a world that ought to be. After all, in order for artistic excellence to pave the way for lasting, enduring humanity, this is what we "ought to be".

IAM founder and prominent artist Makoto Fujimura's art is described by art critic Robert Kushner as, "The idea of forging a new kind of art, about hope, healing, redemption, refuge, while maintaining visual sophistication and intellectual integrity is a growing movement, one which finds Fujimura's work at the vanguard." International Arts Movement is an outgrowth of this "forging", and desires to collaborate with other influences from all walks of life, empowering their work and growth.

To learn more, click on the link above or visit Mako's official website here. Here's to more purpose-filled creativity in the years to come!

China Square

2007-10-04T21:32:00.000-05:00

"She & I: Sculpture of Xiang Jing and Guangci", curated by Gao Shiming and Lilly Wei. On view from Sept. 7th through Nov. 15th, the life-sized sculptures explore and narrate Chinese cultural discourse, with an emphasis on the post-feminism era. Both Xiang Jing’s and Guangci’s work, made of industrial strength synthetic materials, investigate the social and political changes surrounding China. A must see for anyone browsing the Chelsea galleries this fall...

innocent fear?

2007-10-01T17:28:00.000-05:00

Contemporary Indian Art

2007-09-30T17:03:00.000-05:00

Urban Landscapes

2007-09-29T16:56:00.000-05:00

Bathroom Art?!!

2007-09-26T16:40:00.000-05:00

Taken during a post-lunch visit to what might have been mistaken for a suave cocktail bar playing eerie, Eurotrash techno music... this was one of the coolest bathrooms I've ever step foot in. Now, going to the bathroom can also be an artsy experience. You too, can experience the fabulous ambiance of this bathroom, found inside Jersey City's hip Chinese/Thai fusion chain restaurant, Nanking!

No purchase necessary. Simply come with an open mind and something to put out...

101 Hudson St
Jersey City, NJ 07302
T: 201/333/6500