Author: Mary W

Jon Tsoi, an artist born in the culturally rich region of Sichuan, China, embarked on his artistic journey in 1979. Post the Cultural Revolution, Tsoi sought new horizons and moved to New York City, immersing himself in the contemporary art scene. His quest for understanding and expression led him to Montclair State University, where he refined his craft and honed his unique artistic perspective. Tsoi’s philosophy, “Non-visual art prescript spiritual and internal medicine to cure the disease of external and enslaved art senses,” encapsulates his approach to art. He believes that true art transcends mere visual appeal, resonating deeply within…

Hazel Wynn, a Jersey-born artist, has a passion for capturing the essence of the natural world through her vibrant and dynamic paintings. Her journey began at Chelsea College of Art in London, where she specialized in Textile Design. Winning a Royal Society of Arts national bursary competition was a turning point for Wynn, allowing her to sell her hand-painted textile designs. Eventually, she returned to Jersey to study for a Fine Art Degree, further honing her skills and artistic vision. Wynn’s work is deeply influenced by the early abstractionists and the Washington Colour group, particularly Helen Frankenthaler, Louis Morris, and…

Libuša Němcová, an artist born in Košice, Slovakia, has a story that intertwines the responsibilities of everyday life with a passion for art. As many adults do, she juggles her responsibilities with her creative pursuits, working as a 24-hour home helper abroad while nurturing her artistic talents. From a young age, Libuša showed an inclination toward drawing, but her artistic aspirations were often sidelined by life’s demands. Despite this, she remained creative in various forms, such as dancing in several groups and singing in church. Her artistic journey took a significant turn during her second marriage, which empowered her to…

Gregory Christeas is a contemporary abstract artist. His latest artwork represents a significant departure from his previous pieces, marking a bold exploration into uncharted artistic territories. Christeas’ new works are narratives in themselves, with each stroke and hue unfolding like the pages of a captivating story. One of the most compelling aspects of Christeas’ work is the interplay of shifting light and emerging colors. This dynamic creates a visual symphony that unveils hidden dimensions as time progresses. His art transforms with the transitioning daylight, offering a dynamic experience that evolves as the sun gives way to the night. This transformation…

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,…

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…