Toni Silber-Delerive is an American artist known for her unique “aerialscape” paintings. Her work captures contemporary landscapes from an elevated perspective, transforming everyday scenes into abstract compositions. Born in Philadelphia, she holds a BFA from the Philadelphia College of Art (now University of the Arts) and has studied graphic design and silkscreen printing at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Silber-Delerive’s paintings often present a flattened plane that emphasizes abstract shapes, creating a distinctive narrative that reflects the character of each location she depicts.
Wall Street Rooftops, acrylic on canvas, 30” x 30”
One of her notable works, “Dubai Roadways” (36″ x 36″), offers an aerial view of the bustling motorways in Dubai, highlighting the dramatic transformation brought by the oil boom. The painting captures the overabundance of trees lining the roads, symbolizing the excess and wealth of the region.
Toni Silber-Delerive’s work stands out for its unique perspective. By focusing on aerial views, she offers a fresh take on landscapes that are often seen from ground level. This elevated viewpoint not only provides a new visual experience but also allows for a more abstract interpretation of the subject matter. Her approach transforms mundane scenes into vibrant compositions, highlighting the beauty of everyday environments when viewed from above.
Silber-Delerive’s technique involves a meticulous process of selecting and interpreting her subjects. She starts with photographs taken from high vantage points, often using drones or accessing high buildings. These images serve as the basis for her paintings, which she then simplifies and flattens, emphasizing geometric shapes and patterns. This method not only abstracts the scene but also enhances the aesthetic qualities of the composition.
Her use of color is particularly noteworthy. Silber-Delerive employs a vivid palette that brings her scenes to life, capturing the essence of the locations she paints. The bold colors and strong contrasts create a sense of dynamism and movement, making her paintings visually engaging.
Silber-Delerive’s work often explores themes related to urbanization, infrastructure, and environmental change. For instance, “Dubai Roadways” is more than just a depiction of a city’s highways. It comments on the rapid development and the environmental implications of such growth. The inclusion of an excessive number of trees in a desert landscape underscores the artificiality and excess associated with wealth and development.
Her paintings invite viewers to consider the broader implications of the scenes she depicts. By presenting these landscapes from an aerial perspective, Silber-Delerive encourages a detached yet contemplative view, prompting reflections on how human activities shape the environment.
In addition to gallery exhibitions, Silber-Delerive’s work has also been featured in various art fairs and public art projects. This exposure has helped to bring her distinctive vision to a wider audience, cementing her reputation as an innovative and thought-provoking artist.
Silber-Delerive’s approach challenges traditional notions of landscape art, encouraging viewers to see familiar scenes in new and unexpected ways. By doing so, she has carved out a unique niche within the art world, inspiring both artists and art enthusiasts to consider the world from different angles.
Toni Silber-Delerive’s work is a testament to the power of perspective in art. Her aerialscapes transform the mundane into the extraordinary, offering a fresh take on contemporary landscapes. Through her meticulous technique and vibrant style, she captures the essence of the places she paints, inviting viewers to see the world from a new vantage point.
Here is the recent interview we had with Silber-Delerive.
How does your personal background and experiences influence your artistic creations?
In my career as a designer, I had to solve the client’s problem. As an artist, I create my own vision, seeing the world from a different perspective. By flattening the picture plane, I reduce the details to strong graphic images. This interplay of shapes, color, pattern and grid communicates the message in my painting as it does in my graphic design solutions.
Can you describe your creative process from conception to completion of a piece?
I start with a location that fits my narrative, then proceed to sketch my idea from one of my own photographs or stock material using an aerial view. The next step is to block out the shapes, patterns and color working with Photoshop to further refine those elements. Although not realistic, there are some similarities depending on the piece, they are abstract representational. Finally, it is time to work at the easel.
What themes or messages do you aim to convey through your artwork?
I strive to interpret the world we live in and incite viewers to see it from a different perspective. I attempt to tell my narrative while retaining the character of the location, using a personal perspective to develop a graphic visual vocabulary. I want my paintings to be more than just a recording of the contemporary landscape. I want them to express my interpretation and vision.
How do you see your work evolving in the future?
My main goal as an artist has always been and will remain to keep growing and exploring. I am currently working towards further abstracting my style. I’m also expanding the concept of aerials by dissecting them and am curious about entirely different subjects, always on the lookout for new interpretations and vision.
