Author Archives: Brittany

Pushing Beyond “Portrait” or “Landscape”

Activate a space with art that plays! Many of our artists have certainly enjoyed “thinking outside the box,” and we are loving it. These pieces go beyond the rectilinear confines of a more traditional square frame and embrace mastery of form. 

 

Turn Heads and Canvases

Raul de la Torre, Poemes LXIX, Mixed Media on Canvas, 48 x 48 inches

 

This diptych from Raul de la Torre is definitely a conversation-starter. The negative space running through the middle creates both tension and interest in the piece. De la Torre’s painstaking technique of layered paint with meticulously-matched and hand-stitched embroidery feels topsy-turvy in this dynamic arrangement. 

Learn more about Raul de la Torre and browse other works

 

Introduce New Shapes to Your Collection

L: Hunt Slonem, Valentine, Oil and Acrylic With Diamond Dust, 19.5 x 19.5 inches
R: Hunt Slonem, Duo, Oil and Acrylic With Diamond Dust, 24 x 24 inches

 

Whether you love bunnies, love antique gilded frames, or just love LOVE, these romantic pieces by Hunt Slonem are sure to draw the eye and prompt a smile. The heart-shaped composition lends itself well as a solitary statement piece, or as part of a playful, curated gallery wall. Pair with ovals and more ornate frames for a maximalist effect. 

Learn more about Hunt Slonem and browse other works

 

Find Serenity in the Round

Shivani Dugar, Life to Go…, Oil on Canvas, 42 x 42 inches

 

We have featured a few circular pieces in the past, but this rondelle is a first for us from Shivani Dugar. Her use of cool, serene blues and expressive painterly forms are balanced by the unexpected and delightful round canvas. The overall effect is both calming and enchanting. 

Learn more about Shivani Dugar and browse other works

 

Add Dimensionality with a Wall-Mounted Sculpture

Craig Alan, Populus: Soul Affection I, Mixed Media on Fiberglass, 32.5 x 36 inches

This playful piece by Craig Alan is summer fun incarnate. The overlapping layers remind us of M.C. Escher‘s twisting geometry, populated by Alan’s unique figures enjoying themselves with a lifeguard on duty! This dynamic, three-dimensional work is situated in a crisp white square frame. See a video of this piece here.

Learn more about Craig Alan and browse other works

Insider Edit: What Brittany’s Loving

Being back at the gallery is such a treat! I have greatly missed being surrounded by the beauty and vibrancy of art every day. As a Marketing Assistant, my goal is to reach new and familiar clients to help them find the art that makes their space feel polished and perfect.

In total, I have worked at the gallery for almost five years but it all feels fresh and new to me again. There is so much new work to fall in love with, and here are some of the pieces I can’t stop staring at.

 

Henrik Abedian, Nothingness is the Outline of the Familiar II, Sublimation on Aluminum, Edition 1 of 15, 30 x 30 inches

 

Henrik Abedian | Nothingness is the Outline of the Familiar II

A modern abstraction paired with my intense love for Vincent Van Gogh’s work makes this piece feel particularly poignant. Abedian has masterfully juxtaposed Van Gogh’s distinct, expressive brushstrokes with forced negative space. The missing ear reads as both comical and melancholy, a bittersweet nod to the artist’s struggles, all set against a gentle ombre backdrop.

View more work by Abedian

 

David Burdeny, La Citta Alta 04, Palermo, Sicily IT, Photograph on Aluminum, Edition 4 of 10, 55 x 44 inches

 

David Burdeny | La Citta Alta 04, Palermo, Sicily IT

Burdeny’s photographs transport me to crowded, exciting coastal cities with a sense of wonder. I particularly appreciate how the tightly knit houses fill this image, absolutely bursting with life and history. I can almost feel the heat of the Sicilian sun, evoking wanderlust…and an intense craving for cannoli.

View more work by Burdeny

 

Hyunmee Lee, Reaching Distance, Acrylic on Canvas, 60 x 60 inches

 

Hyunmee Lee | Reaching Distance

Lee’s meditative color-blocking and gestural mark-making is a practice in harmony and form. I find this piece to be both soothing and dramatic, the energetic yellow and emotional blue are balanced by the dense black and echoing, almost-rectangular forms. The artist’s meditative practice comes through, blending the radiant and the spontaneous in an enchanting, entrancing composition.

View more work by Hyunmee Lee

June 2023: Ariel Vargassal

In Ariel Vargassal’s newest works, the artist focuses on making peace with one’s inner self and facing life’s challenges with joy and wonder. The Magical Realism of his work comes through with a stunning juxtaposition of whimsy and breathtaking attention to detail. Read on to learn more about the artist’s enchanting narrative for each piece.

Sugar Heist, acrylic on canvas, 60 x 48 inches

 

Sugar Heist

“Joy and happiness in life are often there for us to take. They are a choice, and when we realize it, the opportunity to take the sweetness of life will make us run and not look back. A playful painting to remind us to take the good and keep on going. It will take us far.”

 

The Path is Made by Walking, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 60 inches

 

The Path is Made by Walking

“Life could be easy for some. ‘The ride would be smooth if there is the right horse.’ Others are forced to walk their way. But for those who have the horse and still choose to walk on their own terms, the rewards of creating your path and collecting the experiences on the way are humbling and satisfying. Walk at your own pace; enjoy the time creating the path of your journey with your own feet.”

 

Tangled, acrylic on canvas, 48 x 60 inches

 

Tangled

“Sometimes we get or feel trapped by the webs of our own doubts or troubles. The same mischievous inner self (the spider monkey) that gets us in this position will help us to get us out of being tangled. Face and make a friend of your inner self, and together resolve the puzzles to free yourself.”

Learn more about Ariel Vargassal or browse additional work.