Opening Reception: Thursday, May 15, 6:00-9:00PM

“Nobody sees a flower – really – it is so small it takes time.”—Georgia O’Keeffe

Flowers are a key motif in the works of several artists of the modern era such as Manet, Van Gogh, Georgia O'Keeffe, Warhol, and Jeff Koons. Today they continue to inspire many contemporary artists.

Endless Inspiration features works by five Long Island City artists who depict flowers in several mediums: oil painting, watercolor, photography and ceramics. The exhibition covers a range of artistic approaches in which flowers are intensified, sexualized and personalized.

In Jaime Arredondo’s Gotas de Amor, the image of the flower covers almost the entire surface of the 54 x 54” canvas. It is powerful and sensual with its wide open petals and delicate beads of water.

Laura Bell's Perennial captures the artist’s personal observations on the unending march of nature. Her work reminds the viewer to see the continual cycles of human history.

It is almost impossible not to view Wendi Gueorguiev’s ceramic pieces as intensely sexual sculptures. The implementation of feminine and masculine forms feels natural for some works like the Orchid while in others, like the Spring, it is provoking and acute.

In Barbara E. Leven's photography, the close-up images reveal qualities of a flower that are not easily traceable to the untrained eye. The rainboworchid translates the artist’s perception of nature and beauty.

In the works of Sam Seawright flowers are employed as forms of communication and self-expression of personal and universal emotions. Musk Rose & Hanbane is a monumental and romantic piece with its oversized flowers painted with sharp lines on a soft tinctured background.

Each artist has been inspired and has communicated their vision through a flower. We all see flowers differently, and I invite you to find your inspiration in them.

Curator
Tamar Gasparian-Chester

Since its opening on October 25th, 2005 Art-O-Mat, a community-run gallery in Long Island City has organized eighteen exhibitions celebrating community artists.


Art-O-Mat L.I.C.
46-46 Vernon Blvd.
Long Island City, NY 11101