Despite the weather forecast, the sun was shining down on July 9th’s opening reception at Agora Gallery. Our two floors of exhibition space were packed with artists and guests to celebrate the opening of Rhapsody in Color, Répartie in Art, and Contemporary Perspectives.
Artist Helga Zumstein at Agora Gallery for her July 9th Reception
Photograph by Aron Rocha / @aron_rocha
Swiss artist Helga Zumstein takes candid moments from real life and transforms them into her own very unique style using a variety of materials including acrylic, graphite, nail polish, and always oil as a finish. Her subjects are often captured in leisurely scenes: vacationing or otherwise relaxing. With their tranquility, vibrance, and vintage style, her paintings almost evoke a 1960s postcard; however, they are far advanced in the artist’s process and approach. “I see scenes and I capture them,” the artist says. “I am a street photographer.” At the reception Helga revealed that for the past year she has been working on a 20 x 20 cm painting every seven days: “a work of the week.” All of her works include human figures. “I love painting something special of the ordinary,” she says.
Krim Benterrak and his works on his reception night.
Photograph by Aron Rocha @aron_rocha
Krim Benterrak’s acrylic paintings are as much about nature as they are about color. The artist painted en plein air, expressing himself in the bold colors and visceral lines of the Australian landscape where he lives. “My inspiration is the landscape when it is untouched,” Krim says, explaining that his paintings function as windows to the beautiful world surrounding us. “It is important to be one with nature and be aware of the effect of modern technology on the planet,” he says.
“Working in abstraction is very freeing,” Donna Broder says about her abstract monotypes on display.
Photograph by Aron Rocha @aron_rocha
Also featured in the exhibition Rhapsody in Color is abstract artist Donna Broder, who joined us from her home studio in California. Donna is a painter and sculptor, but on display for this exhibition are a collection of her exquisite monotypes, which teem with layers of textured color. “What I like about monotypes is the process,” Donna says, explaining the layering process of painting on plexiglass, running it through a press, painting more of the plexi, and running it through the press again. “It is meditative,” she added.
Artist Kristina Garon with Gallery Director Angela Di Bello at the July 9th Reception at Agora Gallery
Kristina Garon was enjoying her eighth exhibition with Agora. It’s always a pleasure to have her showing in our space, as her lively abstract paintings always brighten and energize the space. From afar, you may think her works are swirling whirlwinds of color and texture, but upon closer inspection you will find forms, faces, and figures emerge from the pandemonium. “Art is not work for me. It is pure pleasure,” Kristina explained during opening remarks at the reception.
Patricia Turin speaking with a guest at the July 9th Reception at Agora Gallery
Photograph by Aron Rocha @aron_rocha
“I like to paint joy,” says artist Patricia Turin, whose work is featured in Répartie in Art. Drawing inspiration from her life, family, and love, Patricia’s whimsical paintings in this exhibition consist of white backgrounds with central images constructed of paper and paint that visually pop from the canvas.
All of the artists featured in this exhibition have fascinating backstories and captivating artwork. You can read more about them on our website and peruse their artwork for sale at www.art-mine.com. Stay tuned to our Facebook page to see the full album of photos, artist facts, articles, and event notifications!
Photograph by Aron Rocha @aron_rocha
Agora Gallery is open from 11 am – 6 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and we would love to welcome you to our location! Not able to make it to New York? Please subscribe to our mailing list for news & updates from Agora Gallery.
