Centered around the “Blink” theme, the debut of the Artexpo New York Digital Photo Contest challenged photographers to capture the essence of creativity and invited them to submit their most compelling images.  

Artexpo New York and Redwood Art Group proudly present the winners and finalists of the 2025 Digital Photo Contest. The Contest brought the best entries to the fair floor for attendees to see and vote for their favorites. Finalists’ photos were displayed on state-of-the-art screens to a global audience during Artexpo New York 2025, the world’s original art fair.

The Best of Show Winner will be invited to exhibit at an upcoming Redwood art fair. Additionally, the Best of Show Winner and the seven Category Winners receive recognition in Art Business News, the iconic art industry publication, connecting them with a global audience of collectors, galleries, and industry leaders.

Join us as we celebrate the creative talent of these remarkable digital artists!

BEST OF SHOW WINNER

CATEGORY WINNER
Street

CATEGORY WINNER
Architecture

CATEGORY WINNER
Landscape

CATEGORY WINNER
Travel

CATEGORY WINNER
Wildlife

CATEGORY WINNER
Nature

CATEGORY WINNER
People

CATEGORY WINNER
Honorable Mention

The post Announcing the Artexpo New York 2025 Digital Photo Contest Winners and Finalists appeared first on Art Business News.

The first weekend of April marked a familiar buzz in New York City as Artexpo New York returned for its 48th edition. Held from April 3–6, 2025, at Pier 36 in Manhattan’s vibrant Lower East Side, the world’s original fine art marketplace and longest-running contemporary art fair once again drew art lovers from near and far.

This year’s fair featured 200 leading galleries, publishers, and independent artists from around the globe, presenting an impressive array of original works. The fair was alive with energy — and sales — as attendees explored hundreds of pieces spanning painting, sculpture, photography, prints, ceramics, drawings, glass works, giclees, and lithographs.

With strong attendance and representation from 27 countries, the event was a clear testament to the continued passion of collectors, curators, and art professionals for discovering bold, fresh talent and innovative creations.

The post IT’S A WRAP! ARTEXPO NEW YORK 2025 appeared first on Art Business News.

Bret Neathery – Blue Jean Eyes

Linda Washburn Roberts – Terraced Sunset

Rhea Diehl – Howling Under a Burning Sky

Gavin Hein – Edge of Glory

Kirill Simakov
Quiet Place

Kerri Warner
The Pitcher

Brian McClear
Arms Control

Aron Leaman
Sandy Isles

Brian McClear
Another Blown Fuse

Daniel Klewer
Merl Echo Whirl

Stephen Ursino
Helter Skelter

Azamat Dzhanaliev
LeBron James

Sherri Scott
Glowing Electric Sunsets

Debranne Cingari
Field of Possibility

Todd Monk
Subtle Depths

The post Announcing the Inaugural Redwood Art Prize Winners and Finalists at Artexpo New York 2025 appeared first on Art Business News.

ARIEL RODRIQUEZ — Booth S607

https://thealpinestudio.com

Based in Montana, Ariel Rodriguez is an exceptional scratchboard artist known for her intricate depictions of wildlife. With an x-acto knife to meticulously etch each line onto a scratchboard, Rodriguez captures the beauty and realism of Yellowstone’s iconic animals. Her process, akin to tattoo artistry, requires both patience and precision, with each scratch carefully placed to create stunningly lifelike details, from the texture of fur and feathers to the vivid expression in an animal’s eyes.

Rodriguez’s work has been featured in various exhibitions and has garnered acclaim for its ability to immerse viewers in the natural world. She inspires curiosity in younger generations as she works on scratchboards in front of a live audience, inviting them to come up close and see the medium’s appeal before completion.

BILL HAO — Booth 601

https://billhao.com

Bill Hao is a Canadian artist who creates his art from the huge format wetplate collodion process. The wetplate collodion process is an early photographic process dating from the 1850s that requires the photographic material, either a glass or metal plate, to be coated, sensitized, exposed and then developed within a few minutes before the plate dries. To work in the field, this process requires a movable darkroom. Wetplate positives can’t be copied or enlarged, making every piece unique — larger photos require a larger camera.

Bill Hao is an adventurer and a dreamer, who loves a challenging impossibility. He converted a 50-seat bus into a dark room RV that he can drive anywhere his creativity takes him. With his movable darkroom, he creates his works anywhere and meets the challenges of weather, temperature, seasons and light.

HAYDN LEWIS — Booth S314

https://haydnlewisart.com/

Haydn Lewis is a professional artist based in West Sussex, England, with a passion for oil painting. Originally self-taught while earning a Master’s degree in Automotive Engineering at Loughborough University, Lewis discovered his true calling in the vibrant and expressive world of oil painting. His dual Australian and English heritage has provided him with exposure to diverse landscapes and climates, which significantly influence the color palettes in his work.

Lewis’s art focuses on intricate landscapes, seascapes, and star systems, capturing the essence of nature’s most awe-inspiring forms. His subjects range from vibrant coastal scenes and towering mountain ranges to the vastness of the night sky, each rendered on surfaces such as driftwood, ceramic tiles, reclaimed wood, canvas, and hardboard. Inspired by both the northern and southern hemisphere skies, Lewis employs a distinctive technique that combines various oil-based materials and solvents to create dynamic textures, vivid colors, and energetic compositions.

 

MRIYA GALLERY — Booth 607

https://mriya.nyc

Mriya Gallery, established in 2023, stands as New York City’s first Ukrainian art gallery, dedicated to showcasing the rich tapestry of Ukrainian art and culture. Situated at 101 Reade Street in the heart of Tribeca, Mriya—meaning “dream” or “inspiration” in Ukrainian—serves as a cultural bridge between Ukrainian artists and the global art community.

The gallery’s mission is to foster appreciation for Ukrainian artistic expression by providing a platform for both established and emerging artists. Mriya’s diverse exhibitions reflect a commitment to exploring various themes and artistic styles.

Through their thoughtfully curated exhibitions, immersive experiences, and engaging programs, Mriya Gallery inspires dialogue, sparks creativity, and broadens perspectives, fostering cross-cultural understanding and celebrating diversity in the arts. By showcasing powerful works that blend history, identity, and contemporary perspectives from a collective of artists, including Yurii Vatkin, Dasha S. Kandinsky, Tata Kolesnik, and other acclaimed Ukrainian artists, Mriya enriches New York’s cultural landscape.

NEELAM PADTE — Booth S300

https://artbyneelam.com

Neelam Padte is an accomplished artist known for her vibrant, symbolic artworks that explore themes of spirituality, culture, and self-discovery. Born in Mumbai, India, she draws inspiration from her Indian heritage and personal experiences. Today Padte is a full-time floorcloth artist, specializing in hand-painted canvas rugs that showcase her intricate compositions that are rich in color and meaning. Her works, which blend elements of realism and abstraction, have been featured in exhibitions across the United States and internationally, earning admiration for their ability to evoke deep introspection and emotional connection.

Neelam creates her floorcloth abstract mixed media paintings from inspirations of earth, water, wind, fire and space as viewed through the prism of her soul, sharing her inner spirit with the viewers. Viewers often find themselves drawn into her paintings, enveloped by the serene atmosphere of the tranquil colors and gentle brushstrokes. Each piece evoking a sense of peace and introspection, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and perhaps even meditate upon the beauty captured on the canvas. Many describe feeling a sense of calm wash over them as they immerse themselves in the artwork, allowing it to transport them to a place of tranquility and serenity.

PAMELA GALLEGUILLOS — Booth 312

https://www.pamelagalleguillos.com/

Based in Chile, Pamela Galleguillos is a renowned sculptor celebrated for her striking and evocative works that explore themes of identity, nature, and human emotion, Galleguillos has exhibited in prestigious galleries and international art fairs, earning accolades for her innovative use of materials and her ability to convey movement and emotion through form. Her sculptures often combine organic and abstract shapes, blending textures and layers to create a deep connection between the artwork and its environment.

Over time, Galleguillos’ work began to focus on human, organic figures as a foundation for expressing motivations of the soul, each intertwined into a perfect complement. With her own foundry, ​she shares her knowledge with renowned national artists and pursues and exhibits her own work in cities throughout Chile.

The post Announcing Artexpo New York 2025’s Spotlight Program Recipients appeared first on Art Business News.

SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO!

Artexpo’s programming and events kept fair goers busy and exploring. From meeting the Spotlight Program recipients to seeing the amazing artists showcased by the Legends to watching new art masterpieces being created right on the show floor. And a special collection on the Mezzanine in the Jason Perez Art Lounge. It was a fair filled with fun, events, and art!

The Spotlight Program provided collectors with a focused look at several galleries and prominent artists who created a site-specific exhibition. Spotlight Program recipients for 2024 included:

• Denise Allen
• Galeria Azur
• Greg Lotus Gallery
• Resurrect Studio
• Tengetsu

Learn more about each of them in the feature article in Art Business News!

 

This year, Redwood Art Group acknowledged and commemorated six special exhibitors who have made Artexpo New York a not-to-be-missed event: the Artexpo New York Legends. Each Legend was selected by Artexpo’s curatorial team based on three factors:

• For 10 years or more, the Legend has consistently exhibited at Artexpo New York
• Demonstrated unswerving representation of artist innovators, consistently bringing forward-thinking cutting-edge art to the fair
• Articulate and distinctive presentation of each artist’s work, exceeding all display guidelines

The Artexpo New York Legends are:

• Artavita / World Wide Art
• Artifact
• INNOART
• Mecenavie Gallery
• Sammoun Fine Art

Read the full story on Art Business News!

 

SALES & SUCCESS STORIES

The diversity of art in all mediums gave art enthusiasts a wide range of art to add to their collections — and they did in impressive numbers. Here is a brief look at some of this year’s reported exhibitor sales.

Artavita – World Wide Art placed a number of its most popular works from its artists, including pieces by Chantal Lembege, Kateryna Brovkova, Caroline Rogers, Paula Lifewitz, and Yen Hei Chan.

Samir Sammoun of Sammoun Fine Arts, an Artexpo New York exhibitor for 29 years, proved to be one the most successful exhibitors with 14 pieces placed, ranging in price from $2,600 to $24,000, that included Cafe de la Madeleine, Paris II; Blue and Yellow; Le Tibre, Rome; Paris by Night; Cafe de la Madeleine, Paris VI; Cherry Blossom, Central Park; Fenêtre sur de Méditerranée; andLa Prairie, Automne among others. His invited artists Kimvalrie and Yaryna Catarsys also placed several works each.Renssen Art continued their annual success with significant sales, including Erik Renssen’s Coffeepot, Woman with Hat, Reclining Nude, Sleeping Girl, Woman with Necklace among several others. They also placed Picasso originals Rocking Chair and Portrait of a Man.

International exhibitor, Red Art Istanbul made a splash with collectors and placed several Daiki Limited Editons, including I’m Batman and You Don’t Know the Power of the Dark Side. They also placed multiple pieces from Hande Ugur’s popular The One Franklin Series, plus artist Acerol’s Yemek Yapanlar along with several other pieces.

JC Gallery featuring artist Jay Chung was pleased to place multiple originals including Upward Life, Script Outdoor, Composition 3, We’re the World, andTaxi among several others.

First time exhibitor Diego De Erice Art made a splash with his collection of abstract originals and No Bunny sculptures, placing multiple sculptures ranging in price from $1,500 to $2,000 each, plus original paintings including Storm, No Words, and 4 pieces from the No Light Intento Series.

Sweden’s Svenska Konstgalleriet made a major statement with Oldergaard Glashytta amazing cased glass pieces and place 8+ pieces, plus sales of their other featured artists.Art by Neelam had a busy SOLO booth with mutiple pieces finding new homes, including Another Lovely Evening, Spring Time in DC, Winding Down At Dusk, 

When the Fog Rolls Out, Not a Cloud in the Sky, Her Awesome Silence, You Greet Me With A Smile, Blooming in Harmony, Where Dream Abide, Whispering Secrets Hold Mysteries, It Weaves Across the Land, A Silent Pact with Water, andEmbrace of the Tangerine Sky.

Returning SOLO artist, Alissa Van Atta’s booth was busy throughout the fair, placing both originals and prints including Gertrude, Please Don’t Take Him, Neon Queen, andAs We Speak.

Showing for the first time, Montana’s scratchboard artist Ariel Rodriguez, was excited to sell multiple originals including Birds of a Feather, Tiger of the Sky, Cougar Cub, Screech in Pine, Wake Up and Smell the Flowers, Vixen, and Honey.

James Venuti showcased his amazing photography and sold mutiple pieces including Hummingbirds’ Delight, Village, and Moon Lighting.Always popular, ArtNWordz placed 60+ pieces, ranging from prints at $40 to originals at $2,700 to $8,500, including Snow White, Garden Heart, Butterflies, and Beautiful Lee among others.

 

 

Artists and galleries were presented special honors as recipients of this year’s Artexpo Awards. This year’s proud winners were the following:

• BEST BOOTH DESIGN: Cyvyn Chen, Tengetsu, Diego De Erice Art, and Renssen Art Gallery

• BEST SCULPTURE: Ryan Taylor – Perseus Gallery – SAB Gallery Collection,Cosculluela Gallery, and Gisela Engeln-Muellges – Artavita / World Wide Art

• BEST NEW EXHIBITOR: Sehyun Jean, Oakley Smith, Pedjman Art, and Scott Glaser

• BEST INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITOR: Eri Yoshida and Re D’italia Art

• DIRECTORS’ AWARD: Van Leeuwen Art, AGI Fine Art, K-Art Projects USA

• BEST [SOLO] EXHIBIT: Asit Kumar Patnaik and Saori Kurioka
• AWARD OF EXCELLENCE: Alissa Van Atta and Jason Perez Art

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION! THE MEDIA BUZZED!

Our team caught all the weekend’s happenings on camera for you to relive the excitement. Take a look at our Flickr photo album or see our posts on Facebook and Instagram for a glimpse of all that Artexpo New York had to offer. Thanks to everyone liking and following us on our social media channels—we love keeping you engaged! Be sure to go behind the scenes, and enjoy video highlights from the world’s largest fine art marketplace.

Media coverage included a shout-out in Trade Show Executive, Art Market Magazine, Just Luxe, DCMetro Theater Arts, Luxury International, One Art Nation, Widewalls, Art Majeur, Lux Lifestyle, and others.

WITH OUR THANKS!

We would like to extend a huge thank you to the countless exhibitors, collectors, galleries, and artists who played a part in Artexpo New York 2024. We would also like to thank our sponsors for making this year’s event one of the best. We are looking forward to seeing you again for Artexpo New York 2025 — April 3-6 at Pier 36!

The post It’s a Wrap! Artexpo New York 2024 appeared first on Art Business News.

Q: Introduce yourself — who you are and what is your vision as an artist?

A: We are Resurrect Studio Co-Founders, Jean Davis and Nancy Wu. Having met 8 years ago, we feel like we are 8 as well. Accordingly, we don’t think of ourselves as taking full responsibility for the formation of our glasswork, but rather, we are vehicles for what the art has come to be. We journey to a century-old landfill in Brooklyn to pick up glass fragments percolating into the bay. Our art is an excavation of the collective unconscious from Victorian-era New York City seen in today’s light.

Q: What is your background?

A: JD: I’m an artist in my heart and an art therapist in my psyche. I’ve worked for decades as a licensed art therapist in medical and psychiatric facilities as well as in private practice. I’ve been making art my whole life and did my undergraduate studies at the School of Visual Arts. Through a long commitment to art and art therapy, I’m now a Full-Time Professor at Pratt Institute, a therapist in private practice, and with gratitude — Co-Founder of Resurrect Studio with Nancy.

NW: I have an English literature degree with a master’s in architecture. I began oil painting shortly after my daughter passed suddenly in 2016 at age 13.  To keep my chin up, I surrendered to a variety of things to heal me. Making art was one of them. Jean helped usher me through the unimaginable. Our families grew closer through the grieving process and the healing space that emerged evolved into Resurrect Studio.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: JD: Many technical approaches are effective when conducting psychotherapy, but it’s the clients we love that are helped the most. This is also true when making art. When I put my full heart into creating, the work transcends me.

NW: Our art benefits from the gusto of 2 creatives with post-menopausal zest. In our collaborations, we’ve noticed that Jean tends to create innards, and I love to ground them and consider how they touch the sky. We’re both ever mindful of capturing negative space as well as a landing pad for the eye to be still. This is essential to an artist’s hospitality; they must allow the viewer to just be.

Music and dance have a group component built into them, but less so in the visual arts. Two sets of eyes are better than one in this kind of art making especially when we can grab a critique. When it gets to be too much admin and not enough making, one of us will call pencils down, turn on some dance tunes, and remind the other to “get clinking.”

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: JD: I love art that takes me away from me! Some artists and their work do this for me and each time I return I see through a new lens. There are many ways to travel through inner and outer space.

NW:  A resourceful sensibility inspires me, not necessarily precedence.  It’s the skillset for making fried rice from a wilted scallion, rice, and an egg.  Missionaries inspire me with their can-do attitude. For example, we have a nun friend, Ces, capable of fixing most things with #4 wire and/or duct tape.

My father is a tenor who trained in Rome.  Upon seeing a playful accordionist at our wedding, he launched into a duet, a fantastical display people still marvel at today.  The sincerity and spontaneity of his artistry have affected me profoundly time and again.  Retrospectively, my mother coined healthy neglect as her parenting style in raising 6 kids.  We were given ample space to be imaginative, yet I think we can all agree we were never far from her mind’s eye.

Although my bookcases are packed, for inspiration I rely on my bike to marvel at the beauty of trees in the clouds, something Jean and I do, and if that doesn’t help, I’ll cut open a red cabbage deferring to its staggering beauty to align me with what is.  Modest Mussorgsky attended an art opening by his friend and then went home to compose Pictures at an Exhibition. I’d love for us to do this for someone.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: JD: My mom always said, “This too shall pass.”  The expression gave me great relief in stressful times.  She had a way of only gently fluttering in the midst of a storm. I think we offered each other very different perspectives which, (for the most part!), enhanced our relationship. I love that.

NW: Hum when you sweep. Be daring. Go for it.

Q: When you are not working, where can we find you?

A: JD: Good work is play and good play is work. Therefore, I am hopeful that you will often find me doing these things simultaneously with my family and friends while doing therapy and teaching students or while simply tinkering around. 

NW: Renovating the next phase of our house with my husband Bob and son Bo, who both have a surfs-up attitude for seeing art and travel.

Q: What does exhibiting at Artexpo New York 2024 mean to you?

A: JD: This venture is a very new and exciting opportunity as we/Resurrect Studio are only 3 years old!  Connecting with others through art is so pleasurable. It’s why working and playing in the studio with Nancy gives such pleasure to the artist in me. I believe this kind of reciprocity at ArtExpo New York will support our development and the development of Resurrect Studio.

NW: Let the games begin!

The post Meet the Artist – Artexpo New York Spotlight Recipient: Resurrect Studio appeared first on Art Business News.

Q: Introduce yourself — who you are and what is your vision as an artist?

A: We started with the idea of spreading The Mount Fuji Illustrated Scrolls created by Hōraku Nakamura to the world. Our mission is to spread Japanese myths and legends through art. In the future, we will begin to introduce more Japanese art and culture, including the work of Hōraku Nakamura’s son, sculptor Nakamura Ippei.

Q: What is your background?

A: I was born into a family of pottery artists and went to art college in Japan where I majored in painting. Tengetsu was just launched last year. I also run a game company and an education project for children, which I founded with my husband.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: My philosophy is “to do what pleases my soul the most.” Furthermore, for me, that joy is the encounter with art. Born in Japan to a family of pottery artists, my encounters with Japanese arts, crafts, and culture (including video games, manga, and anime) have shaped me. I am convinced that sharing this unique Japanese art and culture with the world and being inspired by great art from around the world will shape the style of Tengetsu in the future.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: We have a sincere respect for traditional Japanese painting, ceramics, crafts, and craftsmanship in Japanese culture, including manga, and anime.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A:「君よ芳しき楽しみに生きよイエーイ」

It was given to me by my father and means, “O thou, Live in the fragrant joy, yay!” It also includes the meaning of my father’s writer’s name.

Q: What does exhibiting at Artexpo New York 2024 mean to you?

A: I love the glamor and cultural atmosphere of New York City. It has been our dream since childhood to introduce Japanese art in New York. This is the best first step for us and it will be a great experience to meet many artworks, artists, and galleries at Artexpo New York.

Don’t miss Tengetsu at Booth 316 at Artexpo New York 2024.

The post Meet the Artist – Artexpo New York Spotlight Recipient: Tengetsu appeared first on Art Business News.

Q: Introduce yourself — who you are and what your vision as an artist is?

A: My vision as an artist is to create captivating and impactful images that not only showcase the beauty of fashion but also tell compelling stories and leave a lasting impression on the viewers.

I am driven by a passion for storytelling and a meticulous approach to detail, which greatly influences my work as a photographer.

Q: What is your background?

A: Growing up on a rural farm in West Virginia and having a cultural heritage rooted in Northern Europe and Germany have greatly influenced my artistic vision. The simplicity of rural life and the connection with animals have shaped my perspective, while my heritage has given me a sense of pride and a connection to a rich artistic tradition. 

These elements are reflected in my art, showcasing a deep appreciation for nature, a strong work ethic, and a connection to my roots.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

A: I believe that as a photographer, my work is about more than just capturing beauty. It’s about telling compelling stories and creating visually stunning narratives. I emphasize meticulous planning and collaboration with my team to bring creative visions to life. Authenticity and individuality are at the heart of my photography, as I aim to capture the true essence of my subjects.

Attention to detail, mood, and emotion are essential elements in creating impactful images. Continuous learning and growth fuel my creativity, allowing me to stay innovative and relevant in the industry. Overall, my work philosophy revolves around storytelling, collaboration, authenticity, attention to detail, and continuous learning.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: As a photographer, I draw inspiration from a wide range of talented and visionary artists in the industry. These artists have not only influenced my work, but also pushed me to continually push the boundaries of my own creativity.

Here are a few examples of the photographers who inspire me: Richard Avedon, Helmut Newton, Irving Penn, Peter Lindbergh, Steven Meisel, Time Walker, and Herb Ritts.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: I believe in staying true to my unique vision and style. Trusting my instincts and not being swayed by trends or external opinions has allowed me to develop an authentic voice. By staying true to myself, I create meaningful and impactful images that reflect my artistic vision.

Q: When you are not working, where can we find you?

A: My life is a beautiful blend of art, nature, continuous learning, and cherished moments with loved ones. I find inspiration in art exhibitions, galleries, and museums, immersing myself in the creativity of other talented artists. Nature rejuvenates my spirit and fuels my creativity. I actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills, attending workshops and exploring new creative domains. 

Spending quality time with loved ones brings me joy and fulfillment. This harmonious combination enriches my life and inspires my artistic endeavors.

Q: What does exhibiting at Artexpo New York 2024 mean to you?

A: Artexpo New York is an exciting opportunity for me to share my curated collection of photographs with a wide audience. I’m eager to showcase my unique style and storytelling through imagery and connect with fellow artists and industry experts. Being selected for this exhibition validates my talent and hard work, and I look forward to receiving feedback and growing as a photographer. Artexpo New York 2024 is a milestone that will allow me to gain recognition and expand my network within the art and gallery industry. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited about the possibilities it holds.

The post Meet the Artist – Artexpo New York Spotlight Recipient: Greg Lotus Gallery appeared first on Art Business News.

Q: Introduce yourself — who you are and what your vision as an artist is?

A: I was born to be a Artist but actually didn’t realize it until I was in my late 20s. I was born in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn, New York on Mother’s Day. My mother was a beautiful quiet woman and a great Seamstress. Her mother was also a great seamstress.

As a child, I was blessed with dreams that transported me to a realm of wonder and mystery. In these dreams, I encountered ethereal black sillhouette images of pure-hearted Ethopian people. Their beauty, kindness, and purity of soul left an incredible mark on my young heart. 

One fateful day, as they approached me, I felt an overwhelming surge of love emanating from their presence. It was then that I realized their purpose.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact your work?

LOVE and supporting one another. With most of the money we made we were able to fund and support many people, non-profit profit organizations that help others that are down and out, poor folk in the street and the bowery and all kinds of people in dire need of help. Our aim for this upcoming distinguished show is that whatever sales we make 50 percent will go to a school in Ethiopia for the needy.

I honestly and truly love making story textile needlework art and paintings because in my heart I have so many stories full of love, peace, pain, tragedy, hate, and also stories of hope, faith, and taking risk. I know there will be other stories I’ll have to share. I want to share them through my love and gift of textile needleworked Folk Art. 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: The Artist whose work absolutely inspires me is the artist that I am collaborating with in this show. Teklemariam. 

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: The best advice I ever received was from the gallery owner who represented me many years ago. He was smart and experienced. He treated me very well and was the person who advanced my art career. 

Q: When you are not working, where can we find you?

A: When I’m not working you can find me working on my little 23-acre farm in upstate New York in Palatine Bridge. It’s an Old Fashioned 17th-century colonial agricultural hamlet. 

Q: What does exhibiting at Artexpo New York 2024 mean to you?

A: To be given the privilege and honor to participate in this important art fair is more than I hoped for. Unfortunately, my husband fell ill and for the past 8 years, I wasn’t able to do any art shows or events since he was basically bedbound and could no longer walk. He died 8 months ago. I love and miss him terribly. He retired 22 years ago from the Port Authority of NY & NJ. He was a Senior Draftsman there for 33 years. Our Son Richard Allen Jr. was killed in Tower 1 when the airplanes struck into the top of the towers. My beloved husband escaped by the skin of his teeth. He had to walk all the way home once he made it out. He served in the Army for six years after graduating from high school. He was given a Military Funeral with honors and respectively buried proudly and Honorably in Evergreen Cementary 10 minutes from where we live. God Bless you.

The post Meet the Artist – Artexpo New York Spotlight Recipient: Denise Allen appeared first on Art Business News.

Q: Introduce yourself — who are you and what is the vision of your gallery for artists?

A: I am Lucas Kokogian, founder and director of Galeria Azur. Our gallery’s vision is to serve as a platform for artists from diverse backgrounds to showcase their talents. We are committed to promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the art industry, believing that art should be accessible to everyone. Galeria Azur strives to create a space where emerging and mid-career artists can gain exposure and recognition.

Q: What is your background?

A: As a collector myself, I earned my spot in the art scene in Argentina by representing the greatest living artists. I opened Galería Azur in Buenos Aires in 2009. My connection with art started early – my family home was surrounded by art and antiques – and continued by approaching the artistic world from an academic perspective by studying Art History Management. After several years as a leader in Buenos Aires and Bogotá, I obtained peer respect and discernment and launched a career in the art auction world. Having established my reputation in the auction room, Galería Azur grew into the global network of galleries it is today.

Q: What is your work philosophy and how does that impact the gallery?

A: My work philosophy revolves around promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities in the art industry. This philosophy is deeply ingrained in Galeria Azur’s mission and operations. We strive to create a vibrant and diverse art community where artists from all backgrounds can thrive. My work ethic has been shaped by a combination of influences and experiences throughout my life. Inspired by my parents, I learned the values of hard work, dedication, and commitment. Over the years, I have had the privilege of learning from numerous mentors and colleagues in the art world, which has contributed to my strong and adaptable work ethic.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: I am inspired by artists who challenge boundaries and provoke thought through their work. Witnessing the transformative power of art motivates me to continue promoting emerging talents and fostering a more inclusive art community. Jon Gilchrist, one of the artists we represent inspires me every day. His personal odyssey transmutes into a visual symphony. His art—a mélange of abstract forms and bold colors—echoes the depth of his narrative. As a tall, young man navigating the complexities of identity as an African American individual in Houston, his canvases are replete with the emotional richness of his experiences. Works such as “Brave New World” and “Clearly Muddled Sky” transcend their titles, becoming emotional cartographies charting the terrain of his soul’s journey. He is constantly inviting the audience on a voyage of introspection.

I can sit here and name artists all day! Picasso inspires me as an artist for several reasons. Firstly, his unparalleled creativity and innovation in the realm of visual arts continue to astound and captivate me. Picasso’s ability to constantly push the boundaries of artistic expression, experimenting with various styles and techniques throughout his career, serves as a constant reminder of the limitless possibilities within the artistic process.

Q: What is the best advice you’ve received?

A: The best advice I’ve received is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, to seek mentorship from those who have walked the path before me, and to continuously cultivate a clear vision for what I want to achieve.

Q: When you are not working, where can we find you?

A: When I’m not working, you can find me exploring art galleries, attending cultural events, or spending time with my family and friends. (Also drinking a Dry Martini at The Beekman)

Q: What does exhibiting at Artexpo New York 2024 mean to you?

A: Exhibiting at Artexpo New York 2024 is an exciting opportunity to showcase Galeria Azur’s diverse roster of artists on a global platform. It allows us to connect with a broader audience and collaborate with talented artists from around the world. We are thrilled to participate in this prestigious event and share our passion for art with others.

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