Throughout its nearly five historic decades of exhibiting contemporary and fine art, Artexpo New York has hosted the likes of Andy Warhol, Robert Rauschenberg, Keith Haring, Leroy Neiman, Basquiat, among many others; intensifying the discourse on today’s industry challenges and magnifying the very best the fine art world has to offer.

Artexpo New York 2024 will once again have an interesting mix of exhibiting galleries, art publishers and dealers, and artists from across the globe, showcasing original work of 1000+ artists that includes prints, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, giclees, lithographs and glass works, among other contemporary and fine art.

This year’s Artexpo New York takes place April 4-7, 2024, at Manhattan’s newest destination for art, Pier 36. Each year, the fair’s special programs range from immersive artist-led Art Lab experiences to exciting Meet the Artist sessions.

From the amazing list of exhibitors, Artexpo’s curators present their Spotlight Program, providing collectors a focused look at several cutting-edge galleries and artists recognized for their skill and achievement in the visual arts.

Check out this year’s Spotlight Program recipients below!

Denise Allen – Booth 302

Denise Allen is a familiar name in the New York Outsider Art scene. Denise has worked through many challenges over the past 30 years to establish herself as a renowned folk artist, a genre sometimes referred to as Outsider Art. Allen’s work is so reminiscent of a rural, bygone era that many people believe it was created more than a century ago. As a contemporary folk artist, Allen fabricates dolls and needlework tapestries that address her African-American heritage. The history of slavery in the United States is a frequent theme, as are folklore figures and popular-culture icons. Even when treating more recent autobiographical themes, Allen casts her figures in an antiquated light. They wear nineteenth-century dresses, cook on wood-burning stoves, do their washing by hand, and participate in quilting bees. It is women – strong, brave, nurturing women, the backbone of the American family – who are the common thread in Allen’s work.

Galeria Azur – Booth 701

Galeria Azur is an international gallery network, including Madrid, Berlin, New York, Miami, and Buenos Aires. Galeria Azur made a significant impact with its inaugural collaboration with the Redwood Art Group at Red Dot 2023 with an impressive footprint and selection of artists’ work. With over a decade of expertise in modern and contemporary art scenes, Galeria Azur is committed to fostering the careers of both emerging and established artists. Their curated solo and group exhibitions create a vibrant, engaging environment that encourages artistic innovation and cross-cultural dialogue. Galeria Azur actively facilitates the growth of artistic careers. Their personalized services extend to bridging connections between artists and influential entities like museums, galleries, institutions, and collectors globally. The gallery’s vision is clear: they strive to secure international recognition for their artists and to craft a strong, sustainable market for their art.

Greg Lotus Gallery – Booth 112

Through the Lens: The Nature of Fashion Greg Lotus. Greg Lotus’s journey is one of contrasts and harmony. His lens captures the ephemeral beauty of the fashion world against the timeless backdrop of nature. His work is a tribute to the exquisite dance of light and shadow, angles and composition, breathing new life into the classical interplay of elements that have fascinated artists for centuries. In the bustling cities of Manhattan, Paris, and Miami, Lotus finds his muses, dressed in the creations of the world’s finest designers, yet it is in the silence of nature that he frames them. From the rarefied atmosphere of high-end fashion shoots to the tranquil realms where wild flora and fauna reign supreme, his photographs are a study of duality. A model’s poised elegance atop a rugged cliff, the sophistication of haute couture amidst the untamed wilderness, or the inclusion of an exotic animal on set—each image is a narrative unto itself. As Lotus traverses the globe, from the cobblestones of European streets to the seclusion of wild landscapes, he carries with him a vision: to showcase the symbiotic relationship between the creations of human ingenuity and the organic artistry of the earth.

Resurrect Studio – Booth S105

Resurrect Studio represents two artists who repurpose industrial materials into fine art, demonstrating innovation in the choice of materials and the environmental statement made through their art. The use of unusual materials and powerful environmental messages redefine artistic innovation. Artists Jean Davis and Nancy Wu works present an intriguing challenge to the way we think about waste and appeal. Each sculpture is a testament to transforming the devoid into the divine. The fundamental idea of the studio is the magic of metamorphosis, whereby industrial waste is transformed into eye-catching artworks that powerfully proclaim sustainability and creative brilliance. This combination of rough textures and elegant design tells tales of surprising grace and rebirth. Resurrect Studio is a revolution in art, going beyond convention and inspiring people to see the potential that lies within the abandoned. These sculptures are a call to action, reiterating our shared responsibility to protect our planet.

Tengetsu – Booth 316

The Artexpo New York exhibition of the Mount Fuji Illustrated Scrolls is the first step in promoting artist Hōraku Nakamura’s last four significant works to the world. Hōraku Nakamura, a ceramic artist and painter, began painting the mythology of the famous Izusan Shrine in 2008. After Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula were recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Site and World Geopark respectively, Nakamura began working on a four-part Mount Fuji Illustrated Scrolls series. Just before his death in 2023, he completed the fourth work in the series. The Mount Fuji Illustrated Scrolls Quartet is a series of hanging scroll paintings created using traditional Japanese techniques of outlining in ink and then applying vivid colors in Japanese pigments. The work is then overlaid with a mist called “suyari-kasumi,” unique to Japanese painting, in gold ink. While this is a traditional Japanese painting technique, Nakamura’s colors are very pop and unusual for a Japanese painting. Since the original scrolls are protected as a cultural resource for museums and special exhibitions, reproductions of the originals will be available for sale, complete with gold leaf and mounting the same as the original.

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Artboxy – Booth 406

Artboxy is an online artist community where artists can show their art in selected Artboxy partner galleries worldwide!  Artboxy is also an online art exhibition platform that helps artists sell artworks online. Artists are featured in worldwide exhibitions and sales have no commission.

Con$umr Art Collective – Booth 203

Artist Bill Hickey, known as Con$umr, has showcased his work for several years at Redwood’s Red Dot and Artexpo New York fairs. For Red Dot 2023, he debuts his skills as a gallerist and the Co$umer Art Collective. Featuring New York urban artists SacSix and Auraxdr alongside his own works, the booth will be a dynamic mix of pop and street art’s color and imagery.

Fine Art Acquisitions – Booth 513

Latchezar Contemporary – Booth 712

After settling in California, Boyadjiev worked for more than ten years in the field of optical glass, using cold work techniques such as cutting, grinding, polishing and laminating to create optical glass sculptures that were his first collections. Since there were limits to the size of his objects, he changed his glass technique from optical to cast glass.

His new and exciting work was introduced at SOFA 1997 in Chicago and the response was very enthusiastic – dynamic sculptures reflecting depth and dimension, a new approach to contemporary glass art and design. He is excited to bring his innovative works to Red Dot Miami for the very first time.

For tickets to Red Dot Miami 2023 click here.

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Ashley Joan Art – Booth 1214

The Human Condition: An Artistic Exploration by Ashley Joan

Drawing from the intriguing question of what it would look like if our emotions were made visible, Ashley Joan crafts art that delves into the intricate relationship between emotional and physical experiences. Utilizing a layered approach, her paintings meld evocative imagery with compelling human portraits, aiming to ignite conversations about external appearances and internal emotional complexities.

Her choice of subject matter varies, often reflecting her emotional state during the early conceptual stages of her work. Sometimes, she explores the microcosm of human cellular structure to evoke emotional responses. At other times, she incorporates elements like seascapes to demonstrate how our environment influences our mental state. Given the ever-changing nature of human emotions, Ashley finds herself with an endless reservoir of inspiration for her art.

Carolina Vargas Reis – Booth 1122

Artistic Alchemy: Melding Texture, Color, and Emotion

Born into a Colombian family where traditional professions reigned, she initially followed a path into engineering and finance before relocating to Canada and answering the innate irresistible drive to create art.

Abandoning a successful finance career, Carolina embraced her true calling—painting a unique reality through a multidisciplinary approach. Her artwork – whether in the form of paintings or photographs – serves as an emotional and social commentary, incorporating a medley of characters and influences that have touched her life. She experimented with a range of materials and textures, from paint and wax to collage, driven by a dedication to explore and portray the complexities of human experience.

Justin Ruby – Booth 1312

Elevating art to new dimensions, Justin Ruby is a groundbreaking artist from Pennsylvania who merges contemporary culture with traditional portraiture through an innovative approach. Specializing in collaged portraits crafted from deconstructed sneakers, Justin offers a fresh perspective on consumption and identity in today’s society.

His work delves deep into our collective psyche, examining how material goods shape our self-concept. Though primarily using sneakers as the medium for his collage work, Justin has also integrated materials as diverse as Louis Vuitton fabrics and Tootsie Pop Wrappers, capturing the zeitgeist in every piece.

Kushiani Jayasinha – Booth 1109

Kushlani Jayasinha is a unique talent in the art world, born and raised in Sri Lanka during challenging social times. Her artistic journey is as multifaceted as her background, blending her Buddhist upbringing with her tech-savvy career in Silicon Valley and her scholarly pursuits in physics.

While her work may appear abstract, there’s an undeniable scientific undertone; each piece reflects her conscious consideration of physical properties. The resulting art strikes a unique balance: it’s both tactile and dreamlike, offering viewers a truly unique sensory experience — whether it’s an ethereal coastal mist, a distant city shrouded in fog, or a serene body of water.

Monica Arche – Booth 1114

A Life Sculpted in ArtBorn in San Juan, Puerto Rico due to her parents’ forced exile from Cuba, Monica Arche grew up in Miami, Florida. She hails from a distinguished line of Cuban artists. Her paternal grandfather, Jorge Arche, and great-uncle, Aristides Fernandez, are both significant figures in Cuba’s modern art movement and are today regarded as Cuban Masters.

From a young age, Monica displayed an insatiable creative drive, evolving into a prolific artist committed to generating an expansive body of work throughout her lifetime. Fueled by an irrepressible inner force, Monica has devoted her life to the continuous act of artistic creation. She currently resides in Miami, Florida, where she continues to make significant contributions to the art world.

For tickets to Spectrum Miami 2023 click here.

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With a Collectors’ VIP Opening Night that hosted more than 2,500 attendees, it’s clear that people were excited about the return of San Diego’s most anticipated contemporary art event. As expected, Art San Diego offered art aficionados and collectors an unparalleled opportunity to explore, experience, experiment, and discover.

Whether you were there and want to relive the highlights with us or you couldn’t make it this year and want to excited about next year’s show, read on for a recap of Art San Diego 2023.

ACCESS TO ART PROGRAM

Through Access to Art, Art San Diego, in partnership with UBS Financial Services, works with selected charities and those they serve to share opportunities in art, design, business development, and more. Art San Diego’s 2023 Access to Art partners were Monarch School, Humble Design, and ARTS DISTRICT istrict.

With their Hide and Seek: A Surrealistic Celebration of Colors and Dreams themed booth, Monarch students in collaboration with Liberty Station ARTS District artists and Humble Design showcased and sold their artwork to more than 70 appreciative attendees. Check out the Access to Art video to see an overview of the collaboration of this amazing program.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

Art San Diego’s acclaimed programming once again caught the attention of fairgoers and media alike.

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 2023 included:

• Alessandra Silvaberg Studio
• Carol Hartman
• Edna Oar Young
• Henry Blond
• Julia C R Gray

The [LOCAL TALENT] program’s recipients Jann Nunn, Chakib Bouhdary, Ann Golumbuk, and Yahel Yan also had a success weekend. Funded by Art San Diego and Presenting Sponsor UBS Financial Services, in partnership with the ARTS DISTRICT Liberty Station and the NTC Foundation, [LOCAL TALENT] is intended to amplify and support San Diego’s visual arts community.

TOP SALES

With thousands of guests pouring in throughout the weekend, Art San Diego exhibitors reported strong sales. Here’s a sampling of some of this year’s top sales:

• Access to Art featured the Monarch School Art Program and sold 98 student artworks, including original paintings and sculptures, coasters, pins, buttons and pillowcases. In addition, the large LOVE collaborative piece was sold for $2,500. In total, just under $8,500 of artwork sold for this worthy community program.
• Mary Johnston sold multiple pieces from her Squares Collection including Trees in Green
• Jen Tough Gallery sold works by artists Alissa Van Atta, Dotti Cichon, Maureen Farrell, Danielle Krysa, L. BaLoMbiNi, Lauren Bencivengo, and Berenice L.
• Laura Ortiz Vega placed Van I
• Ivan Pahomov sold Transformation, a 60″ x 40″original for $2,500
• Ann Golumbuk [LOCAL TALENT] artist placed several pieces including Bad Ass Stick and Love Sex and Rock & Roll and took a commission
• Chakib Bouhdary [LOCAL TALENT] artist placed one of his Multi Modern Chess Boards
• Jann Nunn, another of the [LOCAL TALENT] artists placed 5 of her wall sculptures at $2,050 each, including Karma #5, Chameleon #6, Mystic #8 , Laguna #7, and Sun Ray #3 
• sister + sister: The Butterfly Effect special Art Lab sold several of the special installation pieces including a Lilies Sculpture, a Large Nest, and a Medium Nest
• Julia C R Gray placed several of her ceramic sculptures, including Coral She (23 Spotted Blue), 5” She Mini (Power Turquoise), and 5” She Mini (Charcoal, Nebula Blue) 
• Kate Taylor sold multiple pieces, including Daybreak, Day Sunny Days, Field at Night, Dreamy Days, The Deep, Garden Vista, Cool Waters, From the Bottom, Aquatic Dreams, and Ryans Tranquility
• Carol Hartman sold several of her 12″ x 12″ originals
• Ana Magazlon placed Cherry Blossom 
• Benjamin Rinenbach placed six of his 12″ x 12″ pieces in addition to 4 Minutes at Cabrillo
• Joux Art sold two of Andrew Mack’s pieces including New Journey and Rejuvenation Time
• Anne Kullaf sold Torrey Pines, a 36″ x 36″ piece for $7,500
• Scout Dunbar placed Pony, a 30″ x 30″ original, plus six Pony 16″ x 16″ drawings at $575 each, Rocking Horse, Audubon Fish Drawing, Coral Study, and San Antonio Cooking Class, a 20″ x 20″ at $2,200
• Dana Swedo Bernal placed three of her 24″ x 24″ pieces Blue Sea Glass, Green Sea Glass, Sea Breeze at $1,000 each
• Mecenavie placed Valentin Perrault’s Portrait among others
• Stephen Robeck placed Strata in the Clouds, Strata in the Water, and Strata 4
• Teresa Ferrari placed Mermaid for $1,500
• Pond Gallery’s Jia Lu placed Afterglow, Traversal, Traveler, Crossing Flames, Let It Go, and Sunday Afternoon, each at $2,000
• Mariah Morrell placed Valentina Bottle Print and Cholula Bottle
• Thomas Elias Lockhart III placed The Standard, Cotton Bowl, Power Players, BTBTTOFC, From Cotton to Roses, Eyes Don’t Lie, and Hord of S, in addition to four calendars and three posters
• Gia Chikuaidze sold Exotic Tea at $3,200
• Magz Yang sold several of her prints, plus Thank You For Golfing with Us, American Fuckery, and Stay Sexy
• Lennon Art Collection sold multiple pieces of John Lennon Art, including Working Class Hero, The City inn My Heart, A Cat Climbing, and Forever Love
• Troy Oglesbee Art’s ocean scenes were popular and he placed several Harvest Moon prints, plus Maui Blush, Calm Before the Storm, Pico Cove II, and Calm Before the Storm
• Lisa E. sold Biome 1, 2, 3, Desert Blush, Autumn Crush, and four Faces by Miche
• Sihyeon Park sold Ilwolobongdo-CA-2, a 24″ x 20″ original at $2,500
• George C. Falelo sold multiple of his Floral Expressions at various sizes for $175, $400, and $450 respectively
• Shelley Zentner placed The Dreaming, a 18″ x 18″ original at $2,800
• Sarah Stieber’s colorful works were a hit and she placed Monarch, Love & Let Go, Painting Happiness, Kismet, Evolve Study, Love & Let Go Study, After the Concert, Complimentary, Finding Center Study, and took a commission
• Walter Redondo placed Joined Experiences, a 49.5″ x 61.5″ original at $10,000
• Artavita / World Wide Art sold Marilyn Maxwell’s Rowdy, a 20″ x 30″ original at $2,000; Pham An Hai’s Obsess at $15,000; Olivia Kapoor’s Star Stump at $2,500, Elisabet Engqvist’s The Poppy Field, a 13″ x 9″ at $900; ClauDio’s Tropical 1; and Wendy Cohen’s Passion Play, among others
• Raphael Delgado placed Well Guarded at $3,000 and Portrait of a Girl with Magenta Hair at $3,500

Still thinking about one of your favorite pieces from the show? Find the exhibitor in our Art Gallery and connect to see if it is still available. Who knows—you may find more than one that’s perfect for your collection!

AWARD WINNERS

While fairgoers shopped the aisles of great art, artists and galleries received special honors as we handed out this year’s Art San Diego Awards. Here are this year’s winners:

• INTERNATIONAL: Kate Taylor and Mina Arts
• BOOTH DESIGN: Katie Crown and Latchezar Contemporary
• DIRECTORS AWARD: sister + sister: The Butterfly Effect and Artavita/World Wide Art
• SCULPTURE AWARD: Willi Baptiste Palanza and Julia C R Gray
• BEST NEW EXHIBITOR: Arendt Graphics and Dr. Thomas Elias Lockhart III
• EXCELLENCE AWARD: Sihyeon Park
• SOLO AWARD: Benjamin Rinenbach and Lisa E.

Many thanks to our wonderful sponsors for their generosity and to everyone who attended the show. Our success was because of you! Until next year, make sure to follow Art San Diego on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes shots.

We’ll be looking forward to seeing you again for Art San Diego 2024, November 1—3 at the San Diego Convention Center.

The post That’s A Wrap: Highlights of Art San Diego 2023 appeared first on Art Business News.

Miami Art Week, the always growing, diverse moniker that includes the Art Basel Miami anchor fair and a dizzying array of choices, runs from December 5 to December 10 this year. And Wynwood, Miami’s authentic “cultural capital,” is a neighborhood that has art for days (as well as nights).

A mainstay of Art Week from its inception, Wynwood is also so much more. The confluence of high art and street art, fine design and funky local stores, haute cuisine and hand-held tasty morsels, and entertainment from drag shows to great music, makes Wynwood a must-stop on everyone’s list.

The Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID), a key player in guiding the neighborhood’s evolution from an industrial district into a bustling, arts-focused urban community, feels that Miami Art Week is one of the community’s best annual events. It’s a “red carpet moment” that makes Wynwood a practically 24-7 destination.

Locals want to return, and visitors want to try Wynwood out, as the neighborhood throbs nearly around the clock during Miami Art Week. Wynwood’s main artery, NW Second Avenue, dubbed by Time Out and others as one America’s most famous and most popular streets, is the beating heart of the District, but great gems can be found throughout its more than 50 square blocks. During this internationally renowned week, thousands of art-world professionals, collectors, and investors flock to South Florida in search of art trends and a new generation of emerging art stars.

This multifaceted spectacle offers art fairs, events, and programming from local leading art institutions and galleries, brings together artists, buyers, and trend-setters from around the globe. Wynwood-specific Art Week highlights for 2023 include:

Satellite fairs hosted at Mana Wynwood, including Spectrum and Red Dot, 2217 NW 5th Street. For full information visit manawynwood.com

Goldman Global Arts Gallery features many artists annually commissioned to create new works on the Wynwood Walls and open during Miami Art Week under the “Power of Purpose” programming series. Wynnwood Walls is located at 266 NW 26th Street, and for more on the exhibitions visit www.ggagallery.com.

The highly regarded Gary Nader Art Centre featuring a new exhibition that is a homage to Botero, and other artists, located at 62 NE 27th Street. For full information visit www.garynader.com.

The Museum of Graffiti, 276 NW 26th Street, will be showcasing top global and local graffiti artists, including trailblazing LA-based artist, Mear One’s solo exhibition, “Metaphysical Surrealism,” and the Mi Campo Artists’ Lounge on the Museum’s patio. For a full listing of Art Week activities visit www.museumofgraffiti.com.

The Margulies Collection at the Warehouse with multiple exhibitions including Motherwell, Segal, Stella; Mimmo Paladino: Painting and Sculpture; and more, all at 591 NW 27th Street. Visit www.margulieswarehouse.com for a full listing.

Wynwood Marketplace hosting HIVE, a Culinary & Cocktail Village, produced by Swarm, at 2250 NW 2nd Avenue. Full information visit www.wynwood-marketplace.com.

Other notable Wynwood galleries and arts centers include the Paradox Museum, Art Fusion Galleries and Aliona Ortega Fine Art.

While taking in the art and special cultural events that Wynwood has to offer for Miami Art Week, one can’t miss eating at such popular restaurants such as Doya, MaryGold’s or Coyo Taco. Unique and boutique local retail highlights include Frangipani, Little Words Project and Glottman Showroom. And if looking for some of Wynwood’s famous nightlife, R House, Gramps and Cerveceria La Tropical are great places to check out.

For more on Miami Art Week visit www.miamiartweek.org/events.

______________________________

Author bio:

Manny Gonzalez is the Executive Director of the Wynwood Business Improvement District (BID), responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the agency that represents more than 400 property owners in Miami’s burgeoning Wynwood Arts District. He is tasked with working with BID members and local government officials to continually improve the security and cleanliness of the neighborhood, promoting Wynwood as a destination, and helping plan for its long-term future. Gonzalez brings a combination of leadership experience and municipal government knowledge to his new post. For more on the Wynwood BID, visit www.wynwoodmiami.com.

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Q: Introduce yourself — who you are and what is your gallery’s vision?

JL: My name is Jennifer Lavigne. I’m 30 years old, French, and live in Miami, Florida. I have been working for the prestigious Bel-Air art galleries for a few years now, and I am the U.S. Wholesale Director for one of our French artists, Peppone. Established in 2004, Bel-Air Fine Art is now one of Europe’s leading contemporary art gallery groups.

Our gallery aims to introduce collectors to the best artists in each discipline. Art is a means of communication: it creates memories and emotions, which we then distribute. Our vision is to share Peppone throughout the United States. His talent has already attracted nearly a thousand collectors, and Art San Diego is just the beginning for him in the U.S.

Q: What is your background?

JL: My background is in event organization. I’ve had the honor of collaborating on the organization of several prestigious international events in France, such as the Cannes Film Festival, Cannes Lions, and Sirha. My experience in these industries (film, advertising, and food) elevated my taste for detail and beauty. It was only natural for me to continue my career in fine art, another luxury industry with a niche clientele.

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

JL: I work to learn something new every day, such as an artist’s background and craft, marketing methods, or client communication techniques. I know from experience that life is short and that we must make the most of every second to be better and happier. I find significant happiness and value in my work, so I always aim to grow personally and professionally.

 Q: What artists and art styles do you represent?

JL: Bel-Air Fine Art represents around sixty artists from different countries. However, we’ve recently chosen to focus on the artist Peppone, who works to bring to life moments from childhood and well-loved films through his art. Peppone will be our only artist represented at the Art San Diego fair, so we can focus on sharing his talent with the city and its galleries.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

JL: Frida Kahlo is the painter who inspires me the most. This woman had tremendous inner strength; she created unforgettable art, and the emotions she managed to convey are just incredible. 

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

JL: “One need not hope to undertake, nor succeed in order to persevere.” My grandfather, a successful and happy entrepreneur, taught me this quote. Strength of character and a persistent work ethic are essential qualities.

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

JL: In the ocean! I live in Miami and love activities like jet skiing and diving. When I’m not working, I like to go on road trips through Florida; it’s such a beautiful place. I also enjoy spending time at Faena, Setaï, and Soho House on Miami Beach. 

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

JL: We have many collectors in California as does our California gallery partner, Markowitz Fine Art, so I am excited to connect with many of them during the fair. People are at the heart of our work as a gallery. We want to create genuine connections — our artists are very present in our galleries to build relationships with clients. We are delighted to begin our direct sales work with U.S. galleries and dealers at the Art San Diego art fair!

Q: Tell us more about Peppone — your feature at Art San Diego.

JL: French artist Peppone, also known as Christophe Tixier, creates Pop-inspired artworks infused by the imagery from his vast collection of nearly 500 comic books, including Tintin, Star Wars, Marvel, and Walt Disney. As a passionate life-long collector, he has gathered thousands of diverse objects, ephemera, and comics that coexist in a dense and informative jumble that makes up his studio in Provence.

Peppone’s parents, both of whom were teachers, instilled in him the belief that sharing is one of life’s greatest riches. His first comic books were given to him by his father, and he subsequently enriched his collection by frequenting flea markets, attending auctions at municipal libraries, and through the generosity of friends and strangers alike. The artist utilizes this abundance of paper to create brightly colored and variegated resin forms imbued with popular symbolism that evoke the innocence of childhood and his native territory.

He has often stated that humans are the only living beings aware of their own mortality and that, to escape it, they reproduce, communicate, and dream, thereby creating a cyclical link between the past, present, and future. It is by carving into this abundance of paper that Peppone breathes life into his works, thus establishing an emotional connection with his father and perpetuating his legacy.

We’re excited to present Peppone to galleries, dealers, and collectors at Art San Diego.

____________________________

Top image: Dark Side of the Moon V2 by Peppone

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Here are nine artists to watch during this year’s fair. Get to know the talented group below.

Alessandra Silvaberg

Self-taught photographer, Alessandra Silvaberg was born in São Paulo, Brazil, and currently lives in California. Her interest in photography started at an early age, inspired by her grandfather who was an incredible artist by heart, she states that he had a profound influence on her life and passion for art. Alessandra has been working with outdoor portraiture photography for the past 18 years, including celebrities, international destinations, and fundraising events, She uses the beautiful outdoors as the background of her artwork. “It is an amazing dance to connect with people and places as one subject” -she says Alessandra always separates a time to take her camera and go out to explore places capturing the moments it was one of the travels that she felt the calling to share her artworks that she had put aside for years. Alessandra is attending for the first time an Art Show as a SOLO and she is thrilled that finally she can share with the world what has been saved until now.

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

A: I am grateful for my gift of translating how I see the world. My spiritual journey keeps me centered, sensitive, and strongly connected to human beings, animals, and nature and I have always felt passionate about photographing the beauty I see everywhere and in everyone. I am not a technical photographer. I shoot from the heart. I always say that “I see with the eyes of the heart” and that is how I connect with my subjects I allow them to connect with me by being present in the moment, and that is how I find inspiration for photography. I am grateful for all that life has given me. I am surrounded by so many amazing people and I consider myself extremely blessed to have created a beautiful family who gives me extraordinary positive support, and also to get to use my gift to bring beauty to empower, uplift, and connect everyone who comes across my work. Being able to do what I love, with love, is an incredible power to have.

My artwork is a result of 100% inspiration, love, and gratitude! I believe that my true gift is my capacity to connect with my subject by being fully present and feeling a real sense of belonging with all. I use the camera as the vehicle to capture and bring to life that powerful moment. I always feel empowered and grateful for the results of each photograph. My vision is that everyone who comes across my work can be affected in the same way, feeling as if they are there in that moment.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: I appreciate many artists but my biggest inspiration comes from my grandpa Aristides Eudocio.

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

A: I have two strong pieces of advice that I carry with me for my life: The day I left Brazil to pursue my dreams in the US, my dear grandma Anna Bolonhanni held my hands, looked into my eyes, and said “ALWAYS REMEMBER – WHEN I AM WEAK, THEN I AM STRONG.” Someone I dearly respect for his work and life of bringing peace to the world, the spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar said “Clarity in Mind Purity in Heart Sincerity in Action.”

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: Exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 is a result of a mental image, that I have created in the past, with a burning desire of sharing my artwork with the world. I feel incredible accomplishment, gratitude, and excitement and I am honored to be part of this event together with so many amazing artists in my hometown.

Alius Fine Art

“We are the recipients of nature’s compassion, nourished by millions of invisible creatures that allow our food to grow and keep us alive. We are cared for by a bounteous and forgiving planet, inseparable from the earth that we came from. I hope my work is a reminder that all of creation is connected, codependent and profoundly beautiful.” – Alius Fine Art

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

A: I need to keep challenging myself to change, so even as I approach the age of seventy I am still learning about who I am as an artist and how far I can stretch myself creatively. In the past I focused too much on detail and effect, working very tight and slowly. Now I am learning to experiment, and allow chance and accident to play a role in my work. More importantly, I am learning to overcome the fear of what people will think of my imagery and to pay attention to my own voice. 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Artists who continue to work in spite of severe handicaps and personal difficulties have my undying admiration, whatever I think of their art. Creativity is hard work! It’s physically demanding and mentally exhausting, so I am inspired by artists who dare to think big and overcome hurdles imposed by their chosen media, their subject matter, their community, or their own limitations.

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

A: Pay attention while you’re dreaming! I began keeping a dream journal years ago because so much weird and wonderful material floats up while I’m asleep.

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: San Diego is my favorite place on earth, the part of the world I call home, even though I also maintain a studio in Canada and sometimes work in Asia. Exhibiting at Art San Diego means showing my latest work to my very best friends and collectors, sharing my vision with my Southern California community, and unveiling my latest ideas to the world at large.  

Arendt Graphics

“Born in 1945, I spent my formative years in Vienna and entered the professional School of Graphic design. Early in my youth, I was drawn to the visual arts and music.” – Arendt Graphics

Q: How long have you been an artist?

A: As a result of my early childhood experiences and dealing with the aftermath of World War II the arts symbolized beauty and permanence for me and I fell in love with music, paintings, sculpture, dance, and theatre. In the mid-50s and 60s, Vienna was a great place to enjoy the arts. The city had recovered from the war and there was a powerful renaissance in music and the performing arts with many famous people coming to perform. We were fascinated with modern jazz and listened to performances from John Coltrain to Beethoven. We did not know it then, but we were able to enjoy some of the best performers of the time. I hung around many of the art places throughout the city and soon became familiar with the struggles and expectations of being an artist. When I reached fourteen, I made the decision to enter the graphic field with the goal of becoming a graphic designer. I took evening classes from some of the best-known designers of the time and immersed myself into this lifestyle learning about composition, design, and typography. On the weekends I played jazz music with several bands to earn extra spending money. I went to all the gallery invites and openings and got exposed to many artists including my two favorite artists Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt. I can truly say that I spent most of my life with a pencil in my hand.

Q: Where do you find your inspiration?

A: Faces are to me the most fascinating thing. They are the mirrors of our passions, our struggles, failures, and triumphs. They are the calendar of our collective experiences and a most reliable read/reflection of our feelings. Studying people is almost second nature to me wherever I go, particularly when I see a face that happens to fit the subject that I am presently working on, I look for a combination of body language, the tilt of a face, the sudden drop of a head, the look of an uncertain smile, the narrowing of the eyes, an expression of hate or sorrow down the cast of sham, the shimmering of the cheeks as tears are emerging. These are faces that belong to all of us as we experience joy, sorrow, love, and hate. There are many combinations and you can find them. All you have to do is look around you and watch what people are saying silently. 

Q: What do you like about your work?

A: I am looking forward to developing different series like the “Children of War” and I have just begun with a new series called “Structures.”

Q: Professionally, what is your goal?

A: I would like to find a broader audience for my “Children of War” series. It is a subject that I eel deserves a place in our conscience and needs to be presented as part of our overall understanding of war. The violence and horrors that children experience around the world should no longer be ignorable. 

Art by Joshua

California native, Joshua Rios, is an oil painter in the abstract, expressionism, realism, and allover styles. When he’s not painting, he works as a K-12 visiting teacher for San Diego Unified. He also plays guitar, makes frames, and writes novels and short stories.

Q: How do you work?

A: When painting at home I put away all distractions, sometimes working in complete silence or playing instrumental music in the background. Working with oil requires patience; it takes a while for the paint to set. However since I don’t have any, I am often working on multiple paintings at a time between sessions. Whether painting on site or in my home I absorb myself entirely and work as swiftly as I can. I will paint until a subject is finished or the canvas is completely wet and I can no longer add layers. I try to be efficient and plan out the amount of time and sessions I will work on a single painting. However, this is hardly the case and I accept my process must be free to continue as long as it takes. The process is a journey. I can only control it so much before I find myself working with a painting as much as on it. 

Q: What has been your favorite experience so far as an artist?

A: I started painting to experiment with color and design and decorate my walls. I was hooked when I realized how much artwork can positively change a living space and add to our lives. The more I painted the more ideas I had, and I fell in love with the possibilities. I look forward to bringing more unique artworks into the world for myself and others to enjoy. My favorite experience has been rediscovering a years-old painting and being inspired and reassured by it. It’s like receiving a message from your younger self hoping to tell you how talented you were yesterday, are today, and will be tomorrow. 

Q: What is the best advice you have received?

A: I learned many years ago that good advice can come from anywhere. One day while painting outside my apartment, my neighbor, an older gentleman who comes from a family of musicians, was walking out of his house and saw me working. He approached my station and asked what I was up to. I told him I was just experimenting with some paintings. He studied my work and then said, “You know, eventually it just comes down to proficiency. How proficient are you at what you do? Because not everybody’s going to like the same stuff. But if you can be proficient at what you do, then you’re doing alright, man.” That might have been the first time I thought of myself as having a distinct style of painting and realizing it doesn’t have to please everybody. 

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

A: When I am not working I am working. My day job as an educator keeps me busy during the week. When I come home, I rest, eat, and then start painting, practicing music, or working on a writing project. But aside from work and home, I enjoy exercising, either at the gym, the park, or just around my neighborhood. I like to get out in nature and take hikes or just walk around the city and find a new restaurant to eat at. Sometimes I go out and listen to live music on the weekends at a few different venues. You can find me at Balboa Park, walking through the museums, enjoying the scenery, or just passing through. I also go to Mission Bay or any of the beaches in San Diego when I want to swim or just relax outside. 

Bruce Swift

Bruce Reeves Swift, a distinguished painter with over four decades of professional experience, has earned a well-deserved reputation as “America’s Artist” through his remarkable depictions of everyday American life. With a deep passion for capturing the essence of the ordinary and the extraordinary in the American experience, Swift’s body of work resonates with a profound connection to the heart and soul of the nation.

Swift’s journey as an artist is a testament to his unwavering dedication to portraying the rich tapestry of American life. His paintings are windows into the heartland, cities, and suburbs, revealing the diverse stories, traditions, and moments that define this great nation. Through his skillful brushwork and keen eye for detail, he has immortalized scenes that range from bustling urban streets to serene rural landscapes, from joyful celebrations to quiet moments of reflection.

What sets Bruce Reeves Swift apart is his ability to infuse his canvases with a palpable sense of nostalgia and familiarity. His work evokes a deep emotional resonance, stirring feelings of nostalgia and pride in viewers who recognize the quintessential American scenes he portrays. Swift’s paintings capture the essence of small-town diners, Fourth of July parades, family gatherings, and the unassuming beauty found in everyday life.

Over the course of his prolific career, Bruce Reeves Swift has become not only a masterful painter but also a cultural historian, chronicling the evolution of American society, culture, and values. His dedication to preserving these moments in time has earned him a revered place in the annals of American art.

As “America’s Artist,” Bruce Reeves Swift’s enduring commitment to celebrating the everyday American experience through his paintings serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of the nation. His work continues to resonate with people of all backgrounds, reminding us of the shared stories that unite us and the beauty that can be found in the simplicity of life. Bruce Reeves Swift stands as an iconic figure in American art, capturing the heart and soul of the nation with each stroke of his brush.

Deborah M G Cassolis

“My name isDéborah M. GiVogue Cassolis and I have a love for nature and enjoy expressing my studies of cycads, palm trees, monocots, and tropical plants for over a decade, and a lifetime of loving the contrasts of light and shadows.  Fawn and fauna have always inspired me from my backyard and traveling to tropical places like Africa, Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, San Diego, California, and other places around the world.

My story began when I was a child, my parents knew I had artistic talents, and my mother entered one of my pieces when I was 9 years old a competition and heard back from them telling her that there was no way a 9-year-old child could ever be that good; I remember her crying because they didn’t believe her child was a gifted child.   Thereafter, in high school, often the teachers would claim my art and keep it for the schools, and I never got my art back, this was starting to get to me then.

After some years of just keeping my art to myself, I did do some commissioned work, and a company I worked for asked me to design logos for their shipping department, an architect asked me to design a banner for his new company, but these things were minor, and I loved to do art in any way I could.  Eventually, after years of never sharing my talents, I went to Africa to meet my husband’s family, I was bored so I painted the children of the family we stayed with, my husband didn’t even realize I was a good artist.   Then, we moved to the United States where again I took up art classes and sold lamps to businesses that did not intrigue me at all, so I quit my job and went straight to college and enrolled to get my Fine Arts and Liberal Arts Degrees, I knew I was in my element, no turning back.  I graduated with Honors and pursued my life as a full-time artist.” – Deborah M G Cassolis

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

A: As a painter I always believe that I should know everything I can about what or whom I am to paint.  The more I know about the subject(s) the more I feel that I can convey to canvas the spirit of how they impact our lives through my paintings.

I chose palm trees and tropical plants because how I see it is if we know about the environment they are from, we can also help animals who rely on the forests to bring awareness of their importance to the ecosystem.  I feel that giving back to what I believe in by donating art or some proceeds from the sales, is a good way to send a message to the world that our animals forests and ecosystems are important to care about.

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: When I heard about Art San Diego, the city that I yearn to live in, was having an art show at the convention center, I knew I wanted to be a part of this event.  I got tickets to the event but COVID-19 happened, then the next time that the show opened, the Governor of San Diego closed the convention center to the public due to the building may still be contaminated by COVID-19.  So, finally the next year in 2022 I went to the show with the help of Mark Shapiro who helped me get the tickets. He advised me to talk to as many artists as possible to learn about this event.

I left there and I was excited, I got home, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this event in 2023. 
This means I can be in front of a larger audience connect with key people and fellow artists and be inspired to new levels with my skills.  I think it is important to participate in events like Art San Diego to help grow my name and to share my art with people who would love to know the story behind my artwork and acquire pieces. 

Stephen Robeck Photographs

“My more serious work with a camera began through long wilderness treks in the High Sierras around Yosemite. Surrounded by grand vistas and natural wonders, I felt driven to capture grand panoramic landscapes. But once I began to really see the abstract forms, colors, and textures that abound in nature, all my preconceptions of what my work should be were fundamentally changed. In a sense, I was set free. Now I find that images are everywhere.

I love creating photographs whose origins may not be readily clear. This kind of abstraction can lead to images that are peaceful, but also a bit mysterious. I want my work to engage viewers through color, texture, and depth, and to keep their eyes moving. If they ask, “What is that?” I feel I’ve succeeded in some way. My intent is to make photographs that people want to look at and explore every day.” Stephen Robeck

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

A: The first tenet is, don’t ever try to imagine what others will like or want to collect. It’s impossible. One of the first things I learned as an artist is to focus on those images that speak to me. When I trust my own vision, others are much more likely to respond.

The second tenet is, to just keep doing the work and learning from the process. I think this is key for all kinds of artists.

The third tenet is, when the work connects with others, understand this is the gift. Sales are great, but it’s the personal connection with strangers that is the core of the virtuous circle.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: As a young photographer, I soaked up monographs of the work of many photographers who were known for particular things. Gene Smith made a variety of photo essays that were featured in Life Magazine. He was also famous for his coverage of fighting in the Pacific during WWII. Ansel Adams made the Yosemite and the High Sierra come alive with his dramatically manipulated Black and White images. Eliot Porter was one of the first to open my eyes to color in the natural world. These and other artists were inspiring because their work was so distinctive, each unlike any other. So part of that inspiration was the understanding that they couldn’t really be emulated, only appreciated and admired.

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

A: When my mother was nearing the end of her life, I asked if she had any advice for me. After thinking about it overnight, the only thing she said was, “Have no regrets.” Of course, this pertains to everything, not just art, but it has been a lodestar for me ever since.

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: I exhibited in Santa Barbara galleries for a number of years, but usually with just a few pieces at a time. Art Santa Fe was my first Art Fair experience, followed by others in Santa Fe, Dallas, and Miami. The most valuable thing I derive from all these fairs is learning more and more about how to curate more of my own work and present it in a way that gets the attention of others.

Whitney Anderson

Whitney is a self-taught multi-disciplinary fine artist practicing in the mediums of drawing since she was 3, painting since she was 15, and collage since she was 27. Born in Alaska into a 3^rd generation commercial fishing family, she and her family moved to Breckenridge, Colorado in 1996. She took up ski racing for 4 years before switching to cross-country and track. Excelling in sports, she attended Duke University on a full-ride athletic scholarship and in 2009 received her B.A. in Fine Arts.

Whitney’s signature style is contemporary realism with a flare of pop-cultural nostalgia. She considers herself as “old school, raw, a purist”: everything is free-handed and that stems from the thousands of hours refining her fundamental art skills over the past 25 years. This is reflected early on in her childhood: “I didn’t like coloring books or tracing, I was always a blank, white slate kid.” Her blue-collar upbringing also prepared her way as an artist. There were no shortcuts to being successful: pure passion, drive and long hours make up a signature Whitney L Anderson art piece.

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

A: I’m not going to romanticize becoming a great artist: it’s plain old work harder— in labor and in your smarts– than your peers. That’s it. People who view my art have expressed to me how they see the hard work and depth of emotion put into it—it’s almost 3D in the way it escapes Its 2D nature and permeates the atmosphere around it, uplifting spirits. The subtleties are everything in the art world—one that makes a piece go from good to a masterpiece. You have to catch the soul. I call it the Three C’s: I’m Calculating, Controlled, and Commanding in my craft. By the time I was 30, I had put in my 10,000 hours of mastering my field and I believe it’s because it’s the one thing in my life that I have complete 100% control and confidence in. When it comes to art, I like to capitalize on my emotions—they will bring out the potency of my work (because I was creating it with a lot of heart). One more thing: do art for yourself first and then for the world second. You’re never going to please everyone so don’t turn into a pleaser—you’ll end up losing yourself altogether.

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

A: “Stay hungry.” Several people over the years have told me that during my career. I think they saw where I could go and how prolific I was becoming. Other people believing in me helps fuel my drive even more—that angst to produce more and make something of myself. It’s the feeling that time is finite and I need to accomplish great works with the skill set God gave me. There is also another quote that I discovered years ago, one that I have always told myself in order to stave off comparison and self-doubt: Eleanor Roosevelt’s famous line, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” I just love it as it automatically snaps me back to the stoic composure I need in my life because I am such a deep feeler and empathetic—I have this default weakness of feeling like that if I get rejected I have to feel rejected and inferior by the person doing the rejection. Sometimes, yes, we should feel the retribution in certain circumstances, but I have learned that most of the time it is the other person. So, I have had to be very judicious about what I do with it. Never has that been more true in the art world: highly subjective, political, and fickle—“you’re too this” or “too that.” If you absorbed all the critics around you it would make you go crazy. 

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: I discovered George Condo’s work a few years ago after watching the documentary “The Price of Everything” and it was so arresting. Ingenious. The other work I like is Kazimir Malevich whose stark abstract pieces were the forerunner to the hyper-modernist movement. He was ahead of his time. I could name a lot more musical artists that inspire me to actually create art— some pieces that I recall have a “soundtrack” to them because I usually listen to a ton of music while I create. 

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: It means exposure to a larger audience, hopefully, direct sales, and definitely residual sales. I want to be discovered by a formal reputable gallery and be represented by them. When I visited Art Basel in 2021 and got acquainted with several galleries: DTR galleries along the east coast, Galerie Leroyer in Toronto, Space Gallery in NYC, and Art Angels in Los Angeles. Those are the places that would sell my art really well. Any galleries similar to their curation I would love to meet at Art San Diego–my first major art fair appearance!

World Chinese Art Committee

The World Chinese Art Committee Art San Diego 2023 exhibition mainly focuses on the works of artist Huang Yue. At the same time, they additionally display the works of two other artists Huang Simi, and Huang Ziyao.

Huang Yue was born in Beijing, China in 1960. In 1982, he graduated from the Fine Arts Department of Beijing Film Academy; in 2000, he created a new style of oil painting – Huang Yue Bird-Flower Oil Painting; in 2014, he created Huang Yue Ink and Color painting.

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

A: My work philosophy is to keep discovering and innovating, so I need to keep practicing.

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

A: Create paintings that do not exist in this world.

Q: What artist(s) inspire you?

A: Impressionist paintings inspire me.

Q: What does exhibiting at Art San Diego 2023 mean to you?

A: The art fair will let me know and compare the art of 2023.

For tickets to Art San Diego 2023 visit this link.

The post Art San Diego 2023 Artists to Watch appeared first on Art Business News.

Art Santa Fe returns for its 23rd edition to Santa Fe’s beautiful downtown Convention Center. And speaking of beautiful, the artists selected for this year’s coveted Spotlight Program are definitely doing something unique and forward-looking.

Of course, Art Santa Fe will once again have an interesting mix of exhibiting galleries, art dealers, and artists from across the globe, showcasing original work of hundreds of artists that includes prints, paintings, drawings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, giclees, lithographs and glass works, among other contemporary and fine art.

This year’s Art Santa Fe is the culminating event for the fifth annual Santa Fe Art Week, July 14-16, 2023. Each year, the fair’s special programs range from immersive artist-led Art Lab experiences to compelling and exciting Meet the Artist sessions.

From the amazing list of exhibitors, Art Santa Fe’s curators present their Spotlight Program, providing collectors a focused look at several cutting-edge artists recognized for their skill and achievement in the visual arts.

Check out this year’s Spotlight Program recipients below!

Amanda Wood, Amanda Wood Sculpture – Booth 333

Amanda Wood’s artwork is a marvelous display of creativity and imagination that captures the essence of nature in a truly unique way. Her work is a masterful blend of intricate detail and vibrant color that instantly captures the eye and draws the viewer in. Wood’s artwork is not only beautiful but also thought-provoking. The work speaks to the power and resilience of nature, as well as the importance of cultivating a sense of harmony with the natural world. Her pieces would be a welcome addition to any collection.

Bernadette Youngquist, B. Youngquist Art – Booth 223

Bernadette Youngquist’s artwork is a stunning display of creativity and imagination that captures the beauty and power of nature in a truly unique way. Her use of color and texture creates a sense of depth and richness that is both hypnotic and enthralling. Youngquist’s mastery of detail and technique is evident in her work. The beauty and power of her work make each a statement piece that will inspire everyone who sees it.

Dale M. Sumner, Faces of Humanity – Booth 420

Dale M. Sumner is a self-taught artist whose mixed media sculptures are a stunning example of the power of creativity and imagination. His pieces are a fascinating blend of form and function, inviting the viewer to explore the hidden depths of his art. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of sources, from mythology to modern culture, Dale’s work is a testament to his boundless creativity and conceptual vision. His sculptures are a vivid and powerful expression of the complexities of life, capturing the full spectrum of human emotion and experience.

Ruth Andre, Ruth Andre Art – Booth 332

Ruth Andre is a recent resident of the farmlands of southern Missouri having recently relocated from the back country of northern California. Early in her career, her interest in art led her to represent artists and photographers. Then she took her first painting workshop and her personal journey as an artist began. Her career as an artist representative and her individual art study was a molding that formed what she does today.  She has always taken her inspiration from her surroundings, but the seasonal changes and landscape in Missouri have enhanced her palette. She sees her works as an open door to her heart and what life and her surroundings bring her way.

For tickets to Art Santa Fe click here!

The post Art Santa Fe 2023 Announces Spotlight Program Recipients appeared first on Art Business News.

Taking place at the beautiful Santa Fe Community Convention Center in the heart of the city, Art Santa Fe welcomes its esteemed exhibitors and attendees to a beautiful gallery-style venue. Artists from around the world will be exhibiting at Redwood Art Group’s Art Santa Fe fair this July during Santa Fe Art Week.

Here are nine artists to watch during this year’s fair! Get to know the talented group below.

Shan Ogdemli

“I believe there are unseen patterns and structures that exist in multiple dimensions across the multiverse, surrounding, connecting, and influencing everything in the material and non-material realms. My aim as an artist is to capture the essence of those unseen structures and bring them forth into the visible physical world in the form of colors, patterns, and images.

I’m inspired by light and color, Nature, the Earth, the Cosmos, patterns from biology, geometry, astronomy, physics, quantum physics, metaphysics, and the interconnectedness of all things. I’m intrigued by the mathematics behind the patterns and structures of living organisms, by the way the vibrational frequencies of sound can translate into visual structures, by the way the frequencies of spinning electrons create color, and how color in turn emanates vibrational frequencies, by the mysteries of quantum physics, the mysteries of space-time and the mystery and wonder of life.

My acrylic paintings incorporate diatomaceous earth with gel mediums to create heavily textured surfaces with expressive brush strokes that add movement and energy. I make my own brushes out of dust broom straw to achieve the directional textures. Color and the vibrational and emotional effect it has on the viewer is an important part of my work, with color harmonies meticulously built from several layers of translucent and opaque paint. The full effect of the color vibrations and energy emanating from my paintings are best appreciated in person.”

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: I have always been able to achieve my goals despite life’s many obstacles and hurdles – through intense focus, perseverance, and hard work. I set high standards for myself, don’t give up easily, and am not afraid to take chances. Those qualities have been both a blessing and a curse throughout my life as sometimes you do need to know when to give up and taking chances doesn’t always turn out well. But those same qualities serve me well in my art practice, allowing me to expand my artistic range, finish even the most challenging projects, finish them well, and put in the hard work needed to make a living as an artist.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: Vincent Van Gogh, Mark Rothko, Georgia O’Keeffe, Yaakov Agam, Victor Vasarely and the Psychedelic and Op Art movements of the ’60s and 70’s.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: That is a hard one. I really have not gotten great advice. Most of the advice has been against following my heart. But if I were to give advice to a young person it would be to follow your heart, no matter what anyone else tells you. Your heart knows where you need to be and what you need to do in life to be happy and fulfilled. You just need to quiet your mind enough to hear what your heart is saying.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: I am thrilled to exhibit at Art Santa Fe 2023! It means having a chance to show my art to the sophisticated art community of Santa Fe, as well as from all over! I love that it is the only contemporary art show in Santa Fe, as my art is very contemporary. I love that it attracts art collectors, art enthusiasts, interior designers, art consultants, gallery owners, and other professionals from everywhere, including from Santa Fe.

Stacy Nixon

Stacy’s award-winning work has been shown consistently in some of the region’s most noteworthy exhibitions and venues, has been recognized by multiple artists in residence programs throughout the country, and can be found in private collections and illustrated publications around the world.

She has a deep desire to illuminate the connections between the conscious mind and the unconscious landscape of possibility, with lots of beauty on the side. Connection to history, story, myth, and magic is always present, waiting to be discovered.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: I feel that to be successful in any business there needs to be a willingness to commit to all aspects of the vision. I would love to paint 90% of my time in the studio but that is often not the reality. Creative actions are always balanced by administrative actions. That being said when the Muse does visit- you listen!

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: I am currently inspired by Mimmo Palladino, his simplicity of form and color sense are timeless. Deloss McGraw is also a real inspiration, the looseness in his work and the naivety applied to deep subjects is so beautiful.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: The best advice I have received is “Ready, Shoot, Aim”, which at first seems mad. The idea is that you broadcast a wide net, see what makes a connection, and then narrow the focus.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: I am looking forward to exhibiting at Art Santa Fe because it is my home town! Santa Fe is such a special place to be an artist and I look forward to connecting with even more wonderful people in the arts and art patrons at our event.

The Nick Haus

“I create because it allows me to live fully, it affords me a way to address unarticulated feelings and ideas. For me, painting becomes an intimate conversation with the canvas, brush, and paint. I prefer to paint with Acrylics, using movement and color to express the emotion and content of the work. I use fast strokes, allowing the brush and the emerging feeling of the composition to guide my progress. I approach works without preconceptions of structure but with a sense of something needing to be expressed. I think of my style as abstract expressionism, and although I have many influences, I think I’m most influenced by Freida Kahlo, and Jackson Pollock-probably more in their energy, need to create, and to regulate emotion through art rather than a specific style. Art has always been a crucial part of my life and continues to act as my sanctuary to cope with the painful trauma and remarkable beauty of life.

I hope all this is what my art communicates to others, and I hope to accomplish a greater interconnection to myself and an emotional connection with others thru my works. It feels bigger than me, and this nurtures my sense of being and my identity as a person and an artist.”

Those who love Abstract Art and bold colors would be great admirers of the works of Nick Haus. After all, she’s an Abstract Expressionist who grew up in West Texas influenced by the Marfa art scene.

But Nick Haus is more than just an artist who specializes in the creation of vibrant abstract paintings. The Nick Haus has been an art educator for the last 23 years.

Previously, she taught at a residential treatment center for at-risk youth from 2000-2020. She is currently working at a Classical Academy where she teaches art to K-8 grade. She has extensive experience in art education and working with students of various ages.

For her education, The Nick Haus studied at Sul Ross State University where she earned a BFA, MA specializing in Art.

Inevitably, The Nick Haus began focusing more on launching her career as a professional Artist in 2019. This journey started with experimenting with various mediums and subject matter, this is where she found herself continuously returning to abstract art. The Nick Haus found that through her abstract works, she was able to convey unarticulated feelings and ideas through her lines, color, and movement.

Since she launched her Art career, she has continued to paint and has worked on private commissions, and continues to take part in group exhibitions.

Vicki Todd

Hailing from Happy, Texas (the Town Without a Frown), Vicki Todd is a largely self-taught artist. Her fascination with art began in her Grandmother’s china shop and painting classes taught in her home attic. Todd’s Grandmother encouraged her to sit in during the classes and paint china pieces along with the adult students. At the age of 6, Todd announced that she wanted to be an artist during the question-and-answer portion of the Little Miss Happy beauty contest, which she participated in and won – a  memory she recalls through her mother’s telling of the story. However, art became a part-time hobby pushed to life’s back burner.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: I call myself a memoir artist because whatever is happening in my life makes its way into my art. This practice began when I transitioned from a nonworking wife in a failing marriage, who lost a baby I knew I was not meant to conceive, into a university professor, after going back to school to earn a doctorate degree to teach public relations. During this tumultuous time, I began painting expressive female portraits to convey my feelings of anxiety, fear, hope, and determination. After teaching for 17 years, the call to pursue my love of art prompted me to resign from my tenured professor position at the age of 50 and focus on creating art full-time. This leap allowed me to write and perform a one-woman show called Shine Happy Shine!, for which I created 30 body print paintings and seven paper mache fairytale masks. I used the play format as an evolving art exhibit that urges viewers to follow their heart’s whispers, rather than society’s shouts of what is expected. In 2018, I took the plunge into clay and began sculpting female figures that include flowering vine motifs, which symbolize evolution, self-growth, and transformation. My hope is that my artwork in all its forms gives others joy, strength, and resilience, and inspires them to probe their own dreams.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: I took a class from Kristine Poole, a sculptor in Santa Fe, who transformed my practice as an emerging artist/sculptor. She taught the class how to build a female nude at 60 to 75 percent life-sized. Learning to sculpt larger figures has prompted me to not only increase the size of my work but also explore more challenging body postures and expressive hand and foot gestures. Seeing her uber-realistic nude figures in striking poses has helped me to think more expansively when crafting my own sculptures.

I recently viewed an exhibit by another Santa Fe sculptor, Clea Carlsen. The extreme detail that she hand-builds into her sculptures’ coiled hair and sometimes deconstructed body parts inspires me to push the limits of what flourishes can be successfully added to a sculpture.

I love the bold colors, magnitude, and immersive quality of Niki de Saint Phalle’s sculptures and installations, which is a possibility I would like to explore in the future.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: Two separate mentors told me: “Onward and upward!” and “Don’t look at the mountain. Focus on one rock at a time.” These sayings help me when preparing for a large exhibit, such as Art Santa Fe, but also on a daily basis when I might feel a little stuck and need to keep my art flowing forward.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: After teaching public relations at the university level for 17 years, I evolved through the novice-proficient-expert scale. Upon quitting my tenured professor position, I once again became a floundering beginner trying to find my footing as an artist. Being accepted to exhibit at Art Santa Fe as an emerging artist in the SOLO Pavilion gives me a sense of validation that I am on the right track once again. I look forward to connecting with galleries and collectors and welcoming new open doors of opportunity through this dynamic art experience.

Victoria Veedell

“Places have a memory, a history, a feeling that we connect with. These memories, like faint echoes, are revealed as light moves across the landscape, transforming the color and texture of a place. It is these moments and experiences that I capture in my atmospheric landscape paintings.

My fascination with the landscape stems more from an interest in exploring our primal connection to the land rather than a focus purely on the aesthetics of a place. My paintings trace the effect light has on a location, how it leaves its mark on the landscape, and how it illuminates the essence of nature–creating different moods, transforming a scene, drawing us in, focusing our gaze, changing the temperature physically and emotionally, and capturing movement. Combined, these elements relay the feeling and memories of a place. My paintings are a snapshot of a particular moment in time. Recording these moments is an act of resistance documenting places that are threatened by increased urbanization and catastrophic climate change. They are a call to preserve these places and a reminder of the important symbiotic relationship that we have with nature.”

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: I have a very strong work ethic and take my practice seriously. I am a full time painter and keep regular 10-5 studio hours. This helps me stay focused and create the paintings I want to make. Travel is an important component in my work. I attend artist residencies regularly so that I can explore a place for an extended amount of time while being able to paint and record my experiences straight away. I am a prolific painter and feel like there always more to learn in painting. Nature supplies endless inspiration.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: Wolf Kahn, Joan Mitchell, and Richard Mayhew.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: Show up to your studio every day and make the work.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: I’m looking forward to making new connections and nurturing new relationships. I want to share my paintings with a new audience of collectors, artists and art lovers.

Michele Thompson

Michele was born and raised in a rural canyon community in Orange County, CA, where she recognized her symbiotic relationship with the natural world and developed a fondness for artfully capturing her interactions with it. She demonstrated an interest in drawing and painting from a young age, developing her skills gradually. Although she was accepted into the fine arts degree program at Laguna College of Art and Design in California, and eventually attended Colorado Mountain College and Alaska Pacific University in Outdoor Recreation and Wilderness Therapy degree paths, she never attained a degree. Instead, when she wasn’t attempting to piece together an education, she was coping with the slow loss of her mother and eventually her father. Having spent her 20s experiencing the time-consuming tribulations of grief and attempting to find a purpose in the world, Michele is now devoted to her art practice as she seeks to use painting to deepen her understanding of life and death and demonstrate the commonalities of these collective experiences. She has participated in three international artist residencies which have allowed her to expand her understanding of the cultural and spiritual leverages between humanity and nature. Having lived in many U.S. states thus far, she currently resides in Arizona with her husband.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: In the last couple of years, I’ve let go of the pressures involving ‘my place in the world’ and have begun freely carving my own path. My philosophy is simply to be authentic. In remembering where I come from and holding on to the most important things in my life, I become more inspired to create. All of it has evolved into this beautiful cycle of inspiration, research, and creative production. I have found that the more inspired I am during a painting, the more enthusiastic buyers and other artists are about it. Genuine enthusiasm for my work is one of the greatest achievements I can attain. It validates my work and my life – And there is virtually no separation between the two.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: I’m foundationally inspired by French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, which brings many artists to mind, such as Berthe Morisot and Vincent Van Gogh. Art Nouveau and early 20th-century American Illustrations also interest me. Artists like J.C. Leyendecker who have styles involving intricate and specific mark-making, and painters like Monet and Renoir who mastered the art of capturing light in a scene, are currently influencing my work in significant ways. The historical contexts behind the art of the late 1800s – early 1900s are also plainly fascinating to me, as the Western world was exploding into modernity. The deeply evocative works of Kathe Kollwitz are an eternal source of inspiration as well.

I’m constantly learning about contemporary artists whose works and processes motivate me and provide stimulating insight. Some off the top of my head include Erika b Hess, Angela Chin, Mark Maggiori, and Pat de Groot.

The writers who have recently influenced my work include Mikhail Bulgakov, H.G. Wells, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Gustav Flaubert, W.B. Yeats, Edgar Allan Poe, and Ernest Becker – Male writers providing a variety of perspectives on femininity and romance, sociopolitical criticisms and solutions, and historical and cultural insights.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: “Use more paint.” This changed my life. After I dropped out of art school, I clung to my rigid realist approach. This meant I was afraid to make changes to a painting after making a certain amount of progress on it. Many painters can probably relate to this: being early in my career, I didn’t have enough experience making mistakes, so I didn’t know how to fix them. Not being in school prevented me from receiving that much-needed third-party influence to teach me how to overcome this. I would preemptively apply less paint out of fear so that I could wipe it off and still have a clean surface for another try. During an artist residency in 2014, a mentor and friend told me to use more paint and began periodically painting on my canvases, which I found off-putting at the time, but I now realize how much that helped me. It messed with my palette, my ego, and my sense of what art even is. Now, I’m an Impasto painter and find so much enrichment in spreading around copious amounts of paint! Experimenting with texture and movement is essential to my process now.

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: It feels like I’ve been promoted. To present my work to industry professionals and collectors in this setting will be an incredibly valuable experience. The opportunity to have enriching discussions about art, not just about my own but about any art at the fair and about the industry in general, will be constructive no matter the outcome. Being around other artists stimulates my creativity and motivates me to learn. The feedback I receive will ultimately fuel my deep desire to be the best painter that I can be. I’m honored to have the opportunity!

Olayinka Kasali

“My sculptures are primarily made of clay, wood, fiberglass, and bronze, with humans and animal forms as the predominant subject matter. To give the idea more depth, I add elements like antique musical instruments, fossils, and everyday objects. My sources of inspiration are both current events and historic sculptures from West Africa. My sculptures are intended to communicate my spiritual revelations,  African traditional ideas and values while educating through provocative thoughts.”

Olayinka Kasali is a creative and forward-thinking artist and teacher who creates paintings and sculptures that speak to the religious, social, and political cultures of people while also capturing their minds and emotions. He studied Fine Arts with a major in sculpture at the prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Lagos state, Nigeria. He also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, which allowed him to work as an art teacher in Nigerian schools. Olayinka decided to study special education for a master’s degree in New York City because he has a passion for kids and wants to utilize his work to inspire students with disabilities. A few people who are successful artists in their own right all around the world have been influenced and mentored by Olayinka. He has three solos to his credit and numerous group shows at home and abroad including “Turning Point; 2008, “Blossom; 2009”, Treasures of Creation; 2013, African Arts and Crafts Expo; 2013, New York Art Expo 2016, Contemporary Nigerian Arts Exhibition, Chicago; 2016, New York Art Expo 2022 etc. His works are housed in hundreds of private and corporate collections around the world.

In ancient African cultural traditions, art is used as objects of worship and symbols of royalty and nobility. I believe artwork should be aesthetically appealing and convey a message. This message should stem from intellectual, social, cultural to spiritual matters. This is the reason why my work is focused on exploring life issues, cultural and human spiritual well-being. As much as I pursue great aesthetic value in my art, I strive to make my works tend to man’s subconscious mind and essence of living. I am inspired by Pablo Picasso’s artistic lifestyle and a living legend; Michael Chukes who once told me: “You only have one life, don’t be afraid to live it! He went further to say: “Ask yourself how you want to be remembered, as the guy who played it safe and kept his job or the artist that took a leap of faith and created something that brings positive change to the world!”

As I made the decision to go into my art full time with grit and determination, facing and conquering any challenge that may arise like a bull faces a lion head-on and chases it away, Art Santa Fe will be my first solo show; a great propeller and launching pad into the limelight in the art world.

Brianna Timourian

Brianna Timourian was born and raised in Austin, Texas. From a young age, she always had a passion for storytelling and this led her to make short films and keep a spiral of poems in order to express her highly imaginative thoughts and feelings. Today, Brianna believes her creative muse can be spread through her paintings of abstract women and abstract expressionist art. She studied Studio Art and Kinesiology at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Brianna then decided to pursue art and become an art teacher. She taught for 4 years at Hopewell Middle School in Round Rock, Texas. Currently, she teaches Art 2 and Art 3 at Benold Middle School in Georgetown, Texas. Brianna enjoys spreading her love of art with others and helping students find their own creative voice to express themselves. She loves color and is inspired by bright Pop art. Brianna had her own art exhibition titled: Eclectic Synergy in January of 2023 at the Georgetown Public Library. Brianna is keenly interested in nature and the outdoors and she spends time hiking, kayaking, practicing yoga and playing tennis.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR WORK PHILOSOPHY AND HOW DOES THAT IMPACT YOUR WORK?

A: My work philosophy is that art is not work, it is therapy. I choose to make art. I am always trying to do my best, but some days a piece may not turn out as good as other days. That is okay. I will take a break and come back to it later or just chalk it up to good practice. Everything may not be a masterpiece and that is okay. The process of making the art is my first and foremost goal. As I said before, art is therapy to me. I think this impacts my work because I don’t put too much pressure on myself when working because it is just an enjoyable experience that is part of who I am as a person. I make art to feel good.

Q: WHAT ARTISTS INSPIRE YOU?

A: I am very inspired by Frida Kahlo because of everything she went through in her life and her amazing symbolism in her paintings. I am also very inspired by Andy Warhol because of his cleverness and bright use of color.

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED?

A: “There can be 100 people in a room and 99 of them don’t believe in you, but all it takes is one and it just changes your whole life.” -Lady Gaga

Q: WHAT DOES EXHIBITING AT ART SANTA FE 23 MEAN TO YOU?

A: It means the world to me. I am so happy to be recognized as an artist. I am so excited to have this opportunity to showcase my artwork amongst so many great artists! I can’t wait, and I will soak up every minute of it!

Billion Gallery

Billion Gallery is thrilled to share the success of its represented artists at Art Santa Fe 2023. Among them is the brilliant Mexican artist whose works have been displayed around the world. Our artists possess experience in painting, plastic arts, photography, and drawing, and each piece is carefully crafted with a perspective inspired by Mexico’s idiosyncrasy while incorporating global trends.

Our artists seek to express feelings through their art, going beyond aesthetics to provoke empathy with the viewer. The themes of their works are philosophies of life and feelings from a unique perspective, seeking to cause a spark in the eye of the person and transcend.

At Billion Gallery, we believe that art generates an incomparable feeling for each human being, motivating them to be and do their best every day. Therefore, everything that materializes in the hands of our artists is born from passion and purpose.

We draw inspiration from all great artists, whether in painting, sculpture, music, photography, or any type of art. We believe that each of them has something to contribute to us and their techniques.

Our philosophy is succinctly captured in the advice we’ve received: “The drop of water pierces the rock, not because of its strength, but because of its constancy.”

Exhibiting at Art Santa Fe 2023 means a lot to us. It is the result of many hours, months, and years of hard work behind this project. Exhibiting at one of the most important art fairs in the United States is a source of pride for us, and representing Mexico means everything.

We couldn’t be more proud of our roots and the entire team behind this that made it possible.

We invite all art lovers and collectors to experience the fresh and sophisticated works of our artists at Billion Gallery, the premier destination for contemporary art collectors.

For tickets to Art Santa Fe 2023 click here.

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