SOLD

WVN Auction Item – Brian Leo

Brian Leo (2010)
Taiwanese traditional dress
8 x 6 inches
Acrylic on canvas
Market Value $300

SOLD

Brian Leo received a BFA from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. He has exhibited in Tokyo, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and galleries throughout NYC. Solo exhibitions in NYC include the Leo Kesting Gallery, Jonathan Shorr Gallery, Tribes Gallery, and Patrons Gallery. He has been noted in The New York Times (July 29, 2007), The Korean Daily, and other publications.

“Actuality wrapped up in beauty and comic relief represents Leo’s approach as an artist….In typical Gen-X form, Leo attacks imbalance with a healthy dose of sarcastic realism….At a time when PDAs and social media is muting more vocal and active forms of social protests…Leo is a much-needed voice. Idealistic yet unmerciful, he is an artist to watch.” -Marla Seidell, ArtSlant, May 10, 2010

Leo has created 10 8×6 inch pieces for Just Art 2010.  Each portrays one of the top 10 immigrant women in America.  Four of these pieces are still available.

Artist Statement:

I make small paintings about American culture, politics and identity and exhibit them in cloud clusters for a loud and engulfing visual effect. I call myself a garage pop surrealist because I take pop cultural references mostly from the internet and magazines and mix them up in new and interesting ways. I can be inspired by everything from 9/11, cloning, Bird Flu, Hurricane Katrina and the distractions of masturbation; and I like to use these things all together and all at once.

The series on view here consists of ten individual paintings of women, each from one of the top ten American immigrant groups cloaked in their respective traditional clothing. The top ten immigrant groups to the United States are (in no particular order): Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Cuban, Jamaican, Mexican, Dominican, Colombian, Iraqi, and Indian. In my canvases I envision the women in these cultures who have immigrated to the US as mothers and lovers, nurturing, captivating, seductive and vulnerable. The rich, deep purple backgrounds of the works feel morose, dark and somber to me, they seem to hold a feeling of history deep in the background. The abstract and brushy swathes of creamy nude colors in the foreground reference skin colors–with my brush strokes I attempted to personalize the deeper, browner, darker skin colors of these groups. Installed together, salon-style, I like the idea of bringing uniting these women from disparate to communities as a whole representation of American women. I think it is both dark and hopeful.

To bid on this artwork, please insert comment with amount
min. bid increase: $25

WVN Auction Item – Brian Leo

Brian Leo (2010)
Chinese traditional dress
8 x 6 inches
Acrylic on canvas
Market Value $300

SOLD

Brian Leo received a BFA from Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers University. He has exhibited in Tokyo, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, and galleries throughout NYC. Solo exhibitions in NYC include the Leo Kesting Gallery, Jonathan Shorr Gallery, Tribes Gallery, and Patrons Gallery. He has been noted in The New York Times (July 29, 2007), The Korean Daily, and other publications.

“Actuality wrapped up in beauty and comic relief represents Leo’s approach as an artist….In typical Gen-X form, Leo attacks imbalance with a healthy dose of sarcastic realism….At a time when PDAs and social media is muting more vocal and active forms of social protests…Leo is a much-needed voice. Idealistic yet unmerciful, he is an artist to watch.” -Marla Seidell, ArtSlant, May 10, 2010

Leo has created 10 8×6 inch pieces for Just Art 2010.  Each portrays one of the top 10 immigrant women in America.  Although not all images are available on-line, all 10 pieces will be available at Just Art 2010 on June 24th.

Artist Statement:

I make small paintings about American culture, politics and identity and exhibit them in cloud clusters for a loud and engulfing visual effect. I call myself a garage pop surrealist because I take pop cultural references mostly from the internet and magazines and mix them up in new and interesting ways. I can be inspired by everything from 9/11, cloning, Bird Flu, Hurricane Katrina and the distractions of masturbation; and I like to use these things all together and all at once.

The series on view here consists of ten individual paintings of women, each from one of the top ten American immigrant groups cloaked in their respective traditional clothing. The top ten immigrant groups to the United States are (in no particular order): Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Cuban, Jamaican, Mexican, Dominican, Colombian, Iraqi, and Indian. In my canvases I envision the women in these cultures who have immigrated to the US as mothers and lovers, nurturing, captivating, seductive and vulnerable. The rich, deep purple backgrounds of the works feel morose, dark and somber to me, they seem to hold a feeling of history deep in the background. The abstract and brushy swathes of creamy nude colors in the foreground reference skin colors–with my brush strokes I attempted to personalize the deeper, browner, darker skin colors of these groups. Installed together, salon-style, I like the idea of bringing uniting these women from disparate to communities as a whole representation of American women. I think it is both dark and hopeful.

To bid on this artwork, please insert comment with amount
min. bid increase: $25

Just Art 2010 Auction Item – PaperMonster

PaperMonster (2010)
Knowledge
Mixed Media on Canvas
40 x 30 inches
Market Value $1,200

SOLD

PaperMonster is a stencil graffiti artist whose vivid and intricate pieces explore the beauty behind the eyes and facial expressions of women. Born in Puerto Rico, PaperMonster incorporates stencil and pasting techniques to create pieces of art on any surface by incorporating pop culture icons, Asian typography, patterns, and texture to present vibrant emotions and stories. His work allows the audience to take his creations for pure face value or explore deeper into each piece. His solo show “PaperMonster Ate That Little Boy” opens July 2nd at Vincent Michael Gallery in Philadelphia, PA.

…[PaperMonster] really shows some tremendous command and
understanding of the medium in his brilliant pieces….[His work is]
so vivid, crisp, and emotive that it hits you with a sort of force
that stencil graffiti doesn’t usually do. -Xiaoli Li, Format Magazine,
May 21, 2010

Artist Statement:

PaperMonster present a new piece entitled “Knowledge” that brings together stencil graffiti and collage techniques to create and experience where the audience can explore an entire story within the painting or just take it for face value. “Knowledge” is wide open for interpretation which can be linked to issues of censorship and external controls of one’s power and voice. The snake presents this power and struggle to control while the woman’s eyes scream out for attention and there is a palpable struggle of emotions. Within the painting there is an intense amount of collage left for interpretation that allows the audience to develop their own concept of who this woman is and what she has gone through. PaperMonster’s artistic ability to be direct yet at the same time allowing his audience to connect to the work on an emotional and intellectual level is what sets him apart from today’s artists throughout the world.

Just Art 2010 Auction Item – Gail Stoicheff

Gail Stoicheff (2009)
Speech Speech Speech
Acrylic and oil on canvas
49×72 inches
Market Value $4,000

SOLD

Gail Stoicheff holds an MFA in painting from Bard College (2005), and a BFA from The Pennsylvania State University (2000).  Recent shows include: “Brooklyn Painters,” Bryan Gallery, NC (2009); “Gimme a Little Sign,” Sister Gallery, Los Angeles (2008); “Beyond Pastoral,” Gallery w52, NYC (2006) and “Despite the Sun,” Foxy Productions, NYC (2004).  She was the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Dedalus Foundation Master of Fine Arts Fellowship in Painting and The Elaine DeKooning Painting Award, and was recently the cover artist for the New England Review.

“Gail Stoicheff uses masking and stencils to create a sea of lines, which result in a fractured explosion of color.” -Amra Brooks, LA Weekly, June 21, 2007

Artist Statement

The work shown here—Speech, Speech, Speech and The Three Georges (Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil and See No Evil) are part of a larger body of work bound together loosely by themes of speech—more specifically, who is encouraged to be vocal and who/what is encouraged to be silent.

Speech, Speech, Speech was a response to the Bush years; a period when speaking out against illegal, barbaric and hypocritical policies was often met by accusations of anti-Americanism. While those demanding American ideals in action were pushed to stay quiet, most of the country (and often the world) were more than happy to swallow one presidential speech after another full of intentional misinformation.

Just Art 2010 Auction Item – Gail Stoicheff

Gail Stoicheff (2009)
Washington 1
Acrylic and oil on canvas
14 x 12 inches
Market Value $400

SOLD

Gail Stoicheff holds an MFA in painting from Bard College (2005), and a BFA from The Pennsylvania State University (2000).  Recent shows include: “Brooklyn Painters,” Bryan Gallery, NC (2009); “Gimme a Little Sign,” Sister Gallery, Los Angeles (2008); “Beyond Pastoral,” Gallery w52, NYC (2006) and “Despite the Sun,” Foxy Productions, NYC (2004).  She was the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Dedalus Foundation Master of Fine Arts Fellowship in Painting and The Elaine DeKooning Painting Award, and was recently the cover artist for the New England Review.

“Gail Stoicheff uses masking and stencils to create a sea of lines, which result in a fractured explosion of color.” -Amra Brooks, LA Weekly, June 21, 2007

Artist Statement

The work shown here—Speech, Speech, Speech and The Three Georges (Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil and See No Evil) are part of a larger body of work bound together loosely by themes of speech—more specifically, who is encouraged to be vocal and who/what is encouraged to be silent.

The Georges began after a trip to D.C. to attend Obama’s inauguration. In the National Portrait Gallery I was drawn to imagery of the ‘Founding Fathers,” particularly the Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington. Washington—one of the most celebrated men in U.S. history, for whom the geographical political center of our country was named; Washington—a slave holder till his death, as were all of the founding fathers. I saw in his agreeable face the genesis of a nation that is always happy to silence the unpleasant. The resulting paintings evolved into a version of the Japanese pictorial maxim of the 3 monkeys.

Just Art 2010 Auction Item – Gail Stoicheff

Gail Stoicheff (2010)
Washington 2
Acrylic and oil on canvas
14 x 12 inches
Market Value $400

SOLD

Gail Stoicheff holds an MFA in painting from Bard College (2005), and a BFA from The Pennsylvania State University (2000).  Recent shows include: “Brooklyn Painters,” Bryan Gallery, NC (2009); “Gimme a Little Sign,” Sister Gallery, Los Angeles (2008); “Beyond Pastoral,” Gallery w52, NYC (2006) and “Despite the Sun,” Foxy Productions, NYC (2004).  She was the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Dedalus Foundation Master of Fine Arts Fellowship in Painting and The Elaine DeKooning Painting Award, and was recently the cover artist for the New England Review.

“Gail Stoicheff uses masking and stencils to create a sea of lines, which result in a fractured explosion of color.” -Amra Brooks, LA Weekly, June 21, 2007

Artist Statement:

The work shown here—Speech, Speech, Speech and The Three Georges (Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil and See No Evil) are part of a larger body of work bound together loosely by themes of speech—more specifically, who is encouraged to be vocal and who/what is encouraged to be silent.

The Georges began after a trip to D.C. to attend Obama’s inauguration. In the National Portrait Gallery I was drawn to imagery of the ‘Founding Fathers,” particularly the Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington. Washington—one of the most celebrated men in U.S. history, for whom the geographical political center of our country was named; Washington—a slave holder till his death, as were all of the founding fathers. I saw in his agreeable face the genesis of a nation that is always happy to silence the unpleasant. The resulting paintings evolved into a version of the Japanese pictorial maxim of the 3 monkeys.

Just Art 2010 Auction Item – Gail Stoicheff

Gail Stoicheff (2010)
Washington 3
Acrylic and oil on canvas
14 x 12 inches
Market Value $400

SOLD

Gail Stoicheff holds an MFA in painting from Bard College (2005), and a BFA from The Pennsylvania State University (2000).  Recent shows include: “Brooklyn Painters,” Bryan Gallery, NC (2009); “Gimme a Little Sign,” Sister Gallery, Los Angeles (2008); “Beyond Pastoral,” Gallery w52, NYC (2006) and “Despite the Sun,” Foxy Productions, NYC (2004).  She was the 2004 recipient of the prestigious Dedalus Foundation Master of Fine Arts Fellowship in Painting and The Elaine DeKooning Painting Award, and was recently the cover artist for the New England Review.

“Gail Stoicheff uses masking and stencils to create a sea of lines, which result in a fractured explosion of color.” -Amra Brooks, LA Weekly, June 21, 2007

Artist Statement:

The work shown here—Speech, Speech, Speech and The Three Georges (Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil and See No Evil) are part of a larger body of work bound together loosely by themes of speech—more specifically, who is encouraged to be vocal and who/what is encouraged to be silent.

The Georges began after a trip to D.C. to attend Obama’s inauguration. In the National Portrait Gallery I was drawn to imagery of the ‘Founding Fathers,” particularly the Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington. Washington—one of the most celebrated men in U.S. history, for whom the geographical political center of our country was named; Washington—a slave holder till his death, as were all of the founding fathers. I saw in his agreeable face the genesis of a nation that is always happy to silence the unpleasant. The resulting paintings evolved into a version of the Japanese pictorial maxim of the 3 monkeys.

Just Art 2010 Auction Item – Carly Ivan Garcia

Carly Ivan Garcia (2010)
Blackout
Oil and acrylic on canvas
20×20 inches
Market Value $2,000

SOLD

Carly Ivan Garcia has developed and evolved the unique neo-abstract art style.  Garcia’s language of imagery is translated through strong form and bold palettes.  In the past few years, his work has been shown in numerous gallery solo shows around California and countless group shows all over the West coast.  In December 2009, Garcia’s work was exhibited in Miami, Florida during Art Basel.  He was featured in a group show for international emerging artists and also collaborated with Graffiti Gone Global to create a large-scale installation that received extensive media coverage.  Ten of his paintings are the focus pieces in the new feature film Touching Home, starring Ed Harris.

“[Garcia's] work is alive, there is a free-style to his painting that inspires good vibrations and happiness.  He constructs landscapes of modernity with a gallant use of thick paint.” – TincaArt.com, February 1, 2010

Artist Statement:

I like to challenge the boundaries of art and my own boundaries of comfort.  Freedom of expression was encouraged in my house and this allowed me to have enough confidence to take risks.  Even today my best work results from me pushing myself further and constantly developing and evolving my neo-abstract style.  My work is personal and I wish for the viewer to develop their own individual experience with each of my pieces.

On Censorship: Censorship is never the answer.  I create art because I want to encourage discussion and dialogue.  Everyone has a different interpretation of my work.  Some can find it incredibly personal and connect it to events going on in their lives.  Provocative art should especially foster debate.  The very nature of art is intertwined and inseparable from freedom of expression.

To bid on this artwork, please insert comment with amount
min. bid increase: $50

Just Art 2010 Auction Item – Carly Ivan Garcia

Carly Ivan Garcia (2010)
No Evil
Acrylic and wash on canvas (triptyk)
30×12 inches each panel
Market Value $3,000

SOLD

Carly Ivan Garcia has developed and evolved the unique neo-abstract art style.  Garcia’s language of imagery is translated through strong form and bold palettes.  In the past few years, his work has been shown in numerous gallery solo shows around California and countless group shows all over the West coast.  In December 2009, Garcia’s work was exhibited in Miami, Florida during Art Basel.  He was featured in a group show for international emerging artists and also collaborated with Graffiti Gone Global to create a large-scale installation that received extensive media coverage.  Ten of his paintings are the focus pieces in the new feature film Touching Home, starring Ed Harris.

“[Garcia's] work is alive, there is a free-style to his painting that inspires good vibrations and happiness.  He constructs landscapes of modernity with a gallant use of thick paint.” – TincaArt.com, February 1, 2010

Artist Statement:

I like to challenge the boundaries of art and my own boundaries of comfort.  Freedom of expression was encouraged in my house and this allowed me to have enough confidence to take risks.  Even today my best work results from me pushing myself further and constantly developing and evolving my neo-abstract style.  My work is personal and I wish for the viewer to develop their own individual experience with each of my pieces.

On Censorship: Censorship is never the answer.  I create art because I want to encourage discussion and dialogue.  Everyone has a different interpretation of my work.  Some can find it incredibly personal and connect it to events going on in their lives.  Provocative art should especially foster debate.  The very nature of art is intertwined and inseparable from freedom of expression.

Just Art 2010 Auction Item – Rachel Monosov

Rachel Monosov (2009)
Hiding From You 1
Gelatin Silver Print with Paint
30×24 inches (framed)
Market Value $2,200

SOLD

Rachel Monosov is an Israeli photographer who spent her teenage years as a fashion model.  She combines art aesthetics with fashion photography.  In September 2009, Monosov exhibited her “Some Love For Sale” show—a series of staged photographs and self portraits—at the Gershwin Hotel in New York City.

Artist Statement:

The artist is eternally present in her artwork.  I create self-portraits, but I attempt to distance myself from the viewer.  In “Hiding From You,” I am the subject of my artwork, so I am able diffuse the life from my body.  I become a nothing but a statute, neither living nor dead.  Yet I am also a phantom, ever eluding the viewer.  At other times, I become the quiet beholder of the outside world.  While it appears that I am completely exposed, I am actually indiscernible.  I can survey everything that surrounds me while the viewer can only begin to glimpse my presence.  The viewer gains a sense of familiarity with my form but never fully comprehends my being.

On Privacy: Monosov’s art brings attention to society’s objectification of the human form and of women in particular.  Appearances can be deceiving.  Assumptions made based on appearances can lead to misunderstanding and mistreatment.  As a result, those that are objectified tend to recede into the background where they can retain a sense of self.  Monosov’s art challenges the viewer to think about society’s invasive tendencies.

To bid on this artwork, please insert comment with amount
min. bid increase: $50