Author: Mary W

Lidia Paladino’s journey through art is a fascinating exploration of material and form. Specializing in drawing and engraving, her career took a unique turn when she delved into textile drawing for a significant period. However, her passion for engraving called her back, prompting her to update her techniques and embark on a path filled with creative satisfaction. In 2003, Lidia received the First Municipal Prize for Engraving. This accolade marked a pivotal moment in her career. Beyond engraving, Lidia has ventured into the realms of handmade paper and creating reliefs with discarded materials, a practice that aligns with her philosophy…

We all know that summer is a slow season in the art world—generally the time for group shows in galleries and museums. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t something to see. From the gallery’s revealing look at under-recognized Lebanese artist Bibi Zogbé, to long-term museum exhibitions on artists Pacita Abad, Nona Faustine and Toshiko Takaezu, and Sharon Hayes’ outstanding contribution to the Whitney Biennial, there’s a lot of greatness here works of art. The majority of our featured artists are women, which is an encouraging sign – hopefully the trend of centering strong female artists will continue in the future.…

Maridee Hays is a California artist whose work is a vibrant fusion of literature, dance, Eastern studies, psychology, journaling, and studio arts. This eclectic background has culminated in a unique artistic style, deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy and spiritual exploration. Maridee’s art is an ongoing journey into the realms of consciousness and perception, continually evolving as she broadens her vision and explores new ways of seeing. Maridee’s artistic journey began in California, where her passion for various disciplines laid the foundation for her distinctive approach to art. Her work reflects a profound engagement with Eastern philosophy, a deep love for…

Last week, Philadelphia’s Forman Arts Initiative (FAI) announced that it had purchased and is developing nearly an entire block of the city’s West Kensington neighborhood as a Museum and community center groups. The campus will open in phases over the next two years, with public outdoor spaces starting later this summer.FAI was founded in 2021 by Philadelphia investment banker Michael Forman and his wife Jennifer Rice, artist Rashid Johnson is one of its board members. It provides grants to artists and arts organizations in Philadelphia, including a couple in Kensington, a predominantly Latino and black working-class area that has recently…

Ruth Poniarski is an artist, weaving a surreal tapestry that transcends conventional boundaries. With a background rooted in architecture, Poniarski’s artistic journey unfurled in the late 1980s, blossoming into a vivid exploration of painting. Armed with a Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute, Poniarski embarked on a decade-long odyssey in the construction field before her creative spirit beckoned her towards a new horizon. In 1988, she pivoted towards painting, embracing a medium that not only challenged her artistic faculties but also served as a profound conduit for self-expression. This pivotal shift marked the genesis of her enchanting oeuvre, characterized by…

Born in 1973 in Graz, Austria, Gerhard Petzl is a multi-disciplinary artist who has been pushing the boundaries of art for over three decades. Living and working between Vevey, Switzerland, and Kalsdorf/Graz, Austria, Petzl’s work spans a diverse range of mediums, including bronze, stone, wood, mixed media, and even chocolate. His artistic journey is characterized by an unyielding exploration of shape, color, and texture, leading him to venture into unexplored areas and self-discovery. Petzl’s versatility as an artist is evident in his willingness to experiment with various materials and techniques. He does not confine himself to a single medium or…

Bea Last, a Scottish artist, creates narratives of raw beauty and profound meaning through her distinctive artistic practice. Nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Scotland, Last’s work is a testament to her commitment to the artistic process and her remarkable ability to transform recycled, repurposed, found, salvaged, or gifted materials into what she calls “sculptural drawing.” Her creations, abstract in form, serve as windows into both inner and outer landscapes, challenging perceptions and igniting dialogues on conflict, humanitarianism, and the looming climate crisis. Bea Last’s work delves deep into personal and collective experiences. Born in 1963 in Cyprus amidst the…

Bobbie Carlyle, a sculptor who has crossed two millennia and several decades, embodies the essence of modern artistry. Her journey in art is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences and family life. As a mother of seven and a grandmother, Bobbie has always found inspiration in the world around her, channeling her experiences into her bronze sculptures. She earned her degree in Fine Arts from Brigham Young University, a feat she accomplished while raising her large family, demonstrating her dedication and love for art and sculpture. Living life to the fullest, Bobbie Carlyle sees the positive in every situation and…

art marketArun KakkarModern Evening Sale on May 15, 2024 at Sotheby’s New York. Another May auction season in New York has come to an end. Nearly $1.4 billion worth of art was sold in a week after two weeks of blockbuster art fairs in New York, with major sales held by Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Phillips. Despite concerns about a tepid art market and cyberattacks on Christie’s website, the auction’s results were mixed, but not entirely negative. While the total was down from the $1.8 billion reached in May 2023, sales were broadly within their expectations, with Andy Warhol, Georgia O’Keeffe…

Bonnie Levinson is a multi-disciplinary artist working in painting, collage, mixed media, and multi-image photography. Her passion and enthusiasm are expressed through many creative art forms. She describes her work as a combination of place and how it takes her into the unknown and the atmospheric realm. During the creative process, Levinson’s goal is to transmute her subconscious into beauty, embracing resistance. Her work allows her to enter a portal, a creative meditative space, channeling her years of visual experience in the arts. Levinson’s art balances between control and accident. Her work is featured in private collections, homes, and corporate…