PETE REY

CATHY STOCKER 

NICO HENSEL

Alice Gur-Arie, I Wander in the Time of Blue - Symbolically, the color blue represents both the sky and the sea and is associated with open spaces, freedom, imagination, and inspiration. That sensibility is what 

I wanted to convey in this Portuguese landscape. I Wander in the Time of Blue is an image for dreaming, for losing yourself in the deep blue shadows, turquoise textures, and flowing lines of the mountaintops. This artwork combines photography and painting. Treating my photograph as the canvas, I repainted the picture by hand digitally in layers to achieve washes, enlarging the image to paint pixel by pixel where detail required. One-of-a-kind giclee print.

Ingrid barber, “Who broke them plastic plates?”Hopper boppers and choppers, tales of mild provincial insanity - Covid left me feeling dark and desperate. I tried to return to a happy period of my life, childhood, to escape this incessant gloom. Inspired by German expressionism, my work explores the pure emotions of fear, gratitude, guilt and joy. One day Fay’s brand new plastic tea set was left out on the pavement after she went to bed . Her dad found it the next day smashed to smithereens. Someone had wilfully run over every last plate until it was destroyed. His fury led him to lead a house to house search to find the culprits. “Who broke them plastic plates?”he bellowed. No one owned up. Until now. Guilty- me, Celia and Lynne.  

Veronica Chandler, Himalayan Monal, metallic watercolors on black paper - When I paint birds I experience an amazing rush... a high. There is both a feeling of immense peacefulness and an intense euphoria. Each new work engulfs me, as I push myself to see how far I can go as an artist. How far can I take it?  It’s a thrill for me to stretch my own limits and find out. My art is my drug.

Catarina Diaz, BOLD, 2021 - My work celebrates art, our identity and life. I embrace artistic imagery as well as unexpected illustrations of nature, with its magical and powerful significance. This is my inspiration. My analog collages tell incredible stories, combining feminine sophistication, as a reminder of self-worth, with nature motifs, juxtaposing figurative interpretations with surreal arrangements. 

In “Bold”, the colour contrast is ethereal. This composition of different universes aspires to capture the beauty in life, creating subtle messages of hopefulness and splendour, like a rebirth.

António André, In Heaven - My work is soul-inspired, and each piece celebrates artistic expression and life in itself, with all its power and intensity.

‘In Heaven’ has its roots in expressionism, and the dripping of colour, its characteristic element, brings the work back to the informal style typical of Raimondo Sirotti. The crow, the figurative element which is the protagonist of the work, leads back to Vincent Van Gogh’s ‘Wheat Field with Crows’. The symbolism of the animal is full of complex meanings and different interpretations. The crow has always been associated with a passage from one stage to the next; it symbolises a metamorphosis, a transformation, a passage, indeed.

Indy Chonk, The Butterfly Effect - I call this interesting piece “The butterfly effect” in this artwork there are two separate events taking place, although interestingly they are both in fact connected. If you look in the center, you will see a representation of distorted time using Dali’s famous timepiece. Because it is in time which brings these two events together. In one, we are sleeping and in a dream-like state; the opposite one is consciously awake, and walking into a path/direction. But, know this- they will be connected eventually through time. I wanted to evoke a sense of magic and connection because for me I feel in this life certain pieces of the puzzle always make sense in the end.  

Amelie Monira Egenolf, Magic City - The Artist Amelie Monira Egenolf (Monira Art) is from Germany and traveled all her life around the Globus and lived in South america and Asia. This painting is called Magic City and is painted with Mixed Media on a 120cm x 100cm canvas. She lives since a few years at the lake of constance in south Germany and loves water scenes. The lake shows every day a different face and the colorful sunsets and beautiful water reflexions inspired her.

This painting is part of a serie of water Scenes and lake paintings.

Janice Ruth Gracias, Bloom - “Bloom” is inspired by “a sea of lotus flowers”. This flower blooms in the most unlikely of places – surrounded by gluggy mud in murky river waters. Not only does it find sanctuary in the muck, but due to the waxy protection layer on its petals, its beauty is blithely unaffected when it re-blooms each morning. It continues to resurrect itself, coming back just as beautiful as it was last seen. With such refusal to accept defeat, it’s almost impossible not to associate this flower with unwavering faith. Although cultures have largely dubbed the lotus as a spiritual figurehead, it is most emblematic of the faith within ourselves. 

Daria Eibert, Alizarin - “Alizarin” is an expression of intense emotions, with red being the most controversial and intense color. Red symbolizes love, passion and lust, while reminding us of fatality and moral corruption. Although initially, I intended to express a lust for life, it eventually evolved into a depiction of an endless fight between good and evil that form our desires and temptations. While working on “Alizarin”, I was accompanied by the book “Portrait of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, which style and content had a strong influence on this artwork.

Sue Trusler, Dandelion Dream - I chose this painting to showcase, as it always makes me feel happy. My first venture into painting was restoring our narrow boat, with canal art roses. I then became interested in Botanical art, which really suited my attention to detail. Looking at other artists I longed to try being more expressive. Finally, I decided to just go for it and created something way out of my comfort zone. I was so pleased with my loose dandelion I decided to have the design made into cushions for my holiday home. So, I guess this picture represents a freedom of expression I didn’t think I possessed. It has set me on a really exciting new direction for my art work. Hope it may inspire others to venture into the unknown.

Joanne Duggan, Musings 17 - I work from my home studio, surrounded by images of aerial views, plants, and beautiful interiors. As much as I intend to, I don’t generally seem to work from these images directly. When in front of my canvas, my attention stays there, where I’m guided by my own mark. Painting and simply being in nature are both meditative experiences for me. When working I connect to feelings and memories derived from a direct sensory immersion in nature. When I discover elements I like, I allow that to dictate the direction toward the completed work.  I find it very interesting when people recognize these natural elements in my work as they seem to re-emerge, perhaps subconsciously.   

Lena Silva, HOW LONG - How often do you stop a moment in time and wonder – how long? Distinctly variable in quality and quantity, one can ponder on the thought of visualising a string as a lifeline. As a female, from early adulthood, tender naiveite through maturing years, a ‘string’ has come many times to the rescue in both a metaphorical and literal sense. A binding ‘string’, bringing pieces together, tied purposely and skilfully balancing life’s journey. I intend to boldly and expressively present, through this work, a simple yet satisfying idea of a string as a form of timeline through a female life journey. However, a ‘string’ it wears over time, and ultimately breaks down. Thus, a Queen will always be a Queen!

Fotini Pappa - My name is Fotini Pappa and I live in Athens, Greece. Paint to express my feelings. A great piece of my work concerns projects inspired by poems. I use acrylics, water colors and mostly pencil which I particularly love. My favorite painting subjects are flowers and women. In turn Flower Woman I participated in several exhibitions in my country and internationally. The series is dedicated against violence against women. For the last 2 years I have been working and on different topics outside the series. Poetry becomes her place of inspiration. Her works adorn the covers of 15 poetry collections. Participates in 10 art anthologies, 4 art diaries and 10 International Art books.

Fotini Pappa - My name is Fotini Pappa and I live in Athens, Greece. Paint to express my feelings. A great piece of my work concerns projects inspired by poems. I use acrylics, water colors and mostly pencil which I particularly love. My favorite painting subjects are flowers and women. In turn Flower Woman I participated in several exhibitions in my country and internationally. The series is dedicated against violence against women. For the last 2 years I have been working and on different topics outside the series. Poetry becomes her place of inspiration. Her works adorn the covers of 15 poetry collections. Participates in 10 art anthologies, 4 art diaries and 10 International Art books.

Fotini Pappa - My name is Fotini Pappa and I live in Athens, Greece. Paint to express my feelings. A great piece of my work concerns projects inspired by poems. I use acrylics, water colors and mostly pencil which I particularly love. My favorite painting subjects are flowers and women. In turn Flower Woman I participated in several exhibitions in my country and internationally. The series is dedicated against violence against women. For the last 2 years I have been working and on different topics outside the series. Poetry becomes her place of inspiration. Her works adorn the covers of 15 poetry collections. Participates in 10 art anthologies, 4 art diaries and 10 International Art books.

Fotini Pappa - My name is Fotini Pappa and I live in Athens, Greece. Paint to express my feelings. A great piece of my work concerns projects inspired by poems. I use acrylics, water colors and mostly pencil which I particularly love. My favorite painting subjects are flowers and women. In turn Flower Woman I participated in several exhibitions in my country and internationally. The series is dedicated against violence against women. For the last 2 years I have been working and on different topics outside the series. Poetry becomes her place of inspiration. Her works adorn the covers of 15 poetry collections. Participates in 10 art anthologies, 4 art diaries and 10 International Art books.

Fotini Pappa - My name is Fotini Pappa and I live in Athens, Greece. Paint to express my feelings. A great piece of my work concerns projects inspired by poems. I use acrylics, water colors and mostly pencil which I particularly love. My favorite painting subjects are flowers and women. In turn Flower Woman I participated in several exhibitions in my country and internationally. The series is dedicated against violence against women. For the last 2 years I have been working and on different topics outside the series. Poetry becomes her place of inspiration. Her works adorn the covers of 15 poetry collections. Participates in 10 art anthologies, 4 art diaries and 10 International Art books.

Marcelo Petrone, Next of (S) kin - I am Marcelo Petrone and I am interested in the effect of language as it shapes human experience, in particular the study of gender identity, culture and post-colonial discourse. In these studies and interests I find my artistic expression.  In my practice, I use charcoal, oil, acrylics and pastels, as well as writing and other means such as recycled material and upcycling, to reflect upon the human condition and the uneasiness of our cultural identities and their enactments. I am naturally attracted to painting figurative expressionism and narratives, visiting the beautiful and the happy, as well as the eerie and the grotesque.

Marcelo Petrone, Next of (S) kin - I am Marcelo Petrone and I am interested in the effect of language as it shapes human experience, in particular the study of gender identity, culture and post-colonial discourse. In these studies and interests I find my artistic expression.  In my practice, I use charcoal, oil, acrylics and pastels, as well as writing and other means such as recycled material and upcycling, to reflect upon the human condition and the uneasiness of our cultural identities and their enactments. I am naturally attracted to painting figurative expressionism and narratives, visiting the beautiful and the happy, as well as the eerie and the grotesque.

Marcelo Petrone, Next of (S) kin - I am Marcelo Petrone and I am interested in the effect of language as it shapes human experience, in particular the study of gender identity, culture and post-colonial discourse. In these studies and interests I find my artistic expression.  In my practice, I use charcoal, oil, acrylics and pastels, as well as writing and other means such as recycled material and upcycling, to reflect upon the human condition and the uneasiness of our cultural identities and their enactments. I am naturally attracted to painting figurative expressionism and narratives, visiting the beautiful and the happy, as well as the eerie and the grotesque.

Marcelo Petrone, Next of (S) kin - I am Marcelo Petrone and I am interested in the effect of language as it shapes human experience, in particular the study of gender identity, culture and post-colonial discourse. In these studies and interests I find my artistic expression.  In my practice, I use charcoal, oil, acrylics and pastels, as well as writing and other means such as recycled material and upcycling, to reflect upon the human condition and the uneasiness of our cultural identities and their enactments. I am naturally attracted to painting figurative expressionism and narratives, visiting the beautiful and the happy, as well as the eerie and the grotesque.

Feruza Ghaffari, Ferido - I am an illustrator. I tried myself in various directions, but my soul went to light surrealism, with a pinch of mythology and a spoonful of beautiful characters.  in my works I try to reveal what is hidden in my soul.  All this is displayed in detail, in the gaze of the characters, in their poses ... my creation depends on my mood, on the muse ... however, I try to stick to one path, just with a few branches.

Tal - Tara Eshed, Balance - The title, “Balance,” refers to the myriad dichotomies between the various elements comprising the space and the constant aspiration to bring them into a state of unity. The aspiration for harmony, however, often reinforces their polarity. The utopian yearning for absolute equilibrium and the incessant pursuit of inner serenity are quintessentially represented through the figure of a wax woman sitting in lotus position alluding to the Buddha. I am offering different types of old and new knowledge in relation to shamanic ceremonies, the mystical “Kabbalah” and more as I believe art has the power to heal.

Louise Hynes, New Life  - A portrait of Karolina, a new mother and her new baby, from a photo taken shortly after the birth. I wanted to capture the sheer exhaustion mingled with quiet pride and wonder on the mother’s face. Looking to the future yet too tired to contemplate very much at all .  

Alexander Batulin - On the internet you can instantly find an object or landscape for future work, or you can spend hours and days looking through pages of different sources with photographs and not find something that will stir your imagination.  You will imagine how you will draw and what your completed work might be or look like. The portrait “Stranger” was chosen in this way. I was hooked on the photograph of this girl and with special inspiration, I began to draw her portrait. This girl is of pure beauty. You can’t walk by without looking back. Her eyes are mezmerising , they glow with mystery, intelligence, cunning and warmth.

Astrid Hutengs, Left - There I stood now. I looked into the distance. It seemed that I heard the sound of the waves, but maybe it was just the engine of a broken car. A fresh wind blew in my face.

Krzysztof Tarnowski, Sadness - Painted in August 2021 created out of sadness and frustration at the cruelty that is taking place on the Polish-Belorussian border. For many days, the Polish services have been breaking International law. 32 people from Afghanistan are being held near Usnarz Górny. The services refuse them medical attention, force them to sleep on the ground, starve, freeze in wet clothes, defecate in front of the surrounding Polish and Belarusian soldiers. Illegal push-backs are committed against hundreds of refugees along the border. On September 2, the President of the Republic of Poland introduced a state of emergency which made it possible to hide the illegal activities of the services from the eyes of the public.

Krzysztof Tarnowski, Frustration - Painted in August 2021 created out of sadness and frustration at the cruelty that is taking place on the Polish-Belorussian border. For many days, the Polish services have been breaking International law. 32 people from Afghanistan are being held near Usnarz Górny. The services refuse them medical attention, force them to sleep on the ground, starve, freeze in wet clothes, defecate in front of the surrounding Polish and Belarusian soldiers. Illegal push-backs are committed against hundreds of refugees along the border. On September 2, the President of the Republic of Poland introduced a state of emergency which made it possible to hide the illegal activities of the services from the eyes of the public.

Jane Lai, Collision - “Collision” is inspired by outer space, science-fiction, synthwave music and the contemporary New Retro Wave music scene. It is a powerful, neon coloured, saturated and joyful drawing of a meteor in the moment it is hitting an alien Planet. Little neon green moons and a meteor can also be observed in the background. The meteor is dynamic and the colours of the space elements are bright and unafraid.

Kathleen Rhee, Midnight Blooms - Kathleen Rhee is an accomplished contemporary abstract artist whose works are inspired by Australia’s picturesque natural environment. With a deep connection to mother nature her time outdoors, at the beach, in the rainforest or looking up at the sky is what drives her artwork and the need to paint everyday. Like blooms against a starry midnight sky, this abstract work celebrates a joyous night and brand new season. Expressive pops of colour, bold, vibrant, heavily layered details and textures reveal amazing energy, movement and life. Double panel canvas: 244cm wide x 183cm high x 4cm thick, acrylic on canvas.

Samantha Redfern, When The Sun Comes Up - When the Sun comes up is an urban, abstract city scape with graffiti inspired elements. My studio is situated on Haji Lane with is a more urban area of Singapore full of street art and neon colours. This has definitely had an influence on my art. The painting is comprised of many layers and textures which build up to form recognisable architectural features such as windows. These represent humanity in the absence of any human figures. The Sun rises and sets over the city marking the passage of time in a continuous circle. My work has many playful elements often received as positive and optimistic by those who view it. 

Heather Lowe, Portland Gris - Oil on Black Corkworks belong to a larger series completed by artist Heather L Lowe. These Palette knife paintings are additions to the “Living Room Series Lowe has been developing for over a decade. This Series became timely with Covid. The philosophy behind these works now numbering over 20 are Abstract paintings where the Colours chosen and pattern identification along with the work’s title invite the viewer to see the geographic place in their minds via associations of colour r/t Cities around the world that the artist has visited. This work is painted in the GAMBLING Portland Grey oils and is Heather’s absolute favourite paint colour. Since Portland is associated with Gray skies this title came easy.

Louise Hynes, Summer Joy - An abstract painting created in reaction to a a joyful summer’s day after lockdown in my home town of Margate, Kent . The sky is huge, the mood is light you can see colours and the sun makes a bold appearance making the water shimmer. 

Palak Patel, Radiate - This artwork evokes feelings of the heat from the sun radiating outwards. It brings a sense of calm to the mind. Palak is a self-taught abstract artist in London. She finds inspiration from her Indian heritage and from everyday observed patterns and shapes. She predominantly works with acrylics on canvas, using gold and silver leaf along with heavy textures, resulting in light and depth in her pieces. Palak is continuously experimenting with materials to find new ways to express texture on canvas and strives to create her own style which is distinct and sets her aside from other artists. Palak endeavours to evoke feelings with the art she creates. 

Cecilia “Cicci” Grensner, im still alive - Cicci always paint from her heart and soul. This painting was the first she did after beeing sick in corona. At home in her own kitchen. The big flower is a symbol for every kind people who came with flowers and gifts to her house during that hard time. 

Cicci lives at Hönö outside Gothenburg Sweden and her studio is going to get the name Gallery art from HEart 

Kym Tracey, Pub Carpet - This piece is oil paint and oil pastels on canvas. My body of work is a homage to a certain time, a certain space, contained within an image. Nothing brings me more excitement than photographs, not photography exactly, but simply everyday photos taken by everyday people. My subject matter focuses on the past and its trends, whether that’s pattern filled interiors or ever changing fashions. This piece was inspired by the nostalgia evoked by Irish pub interiors. 

Paulo Amsel, The British Cake - A long voyage from the North to the South of England that turns out to be a strange and unforeseen experience. It mixes some idiosyncrasies that are part of the British identity, such as the uniqueness of the British temperament, the beauty of its traditions, its architecture and nature. However, indirectly confronted with other facets, such as the injustice of the penal and judicial system, segregation, fictitious acculturation, individualism and lack of plurality, recently aggravated by the Brexit. All these things are what makes the UK a unique, beautiful, different, challenging and mysterious place. This work is part of a series of 15, where the topics covered are completely different from each other. 

Elysia Gilman, Reflections - The Savoy Hotel - Elysia Gilman is a 21 year-old artist from North Wales who seeks to capture moments in time with her oil paintings. She is most inspired by the impressionists, so capturing light and movement with confident brushstrokes play an important role in her work. Alongside her artwork of sporting and figurative scenes, Elysia was inspired to create a series of work around The Savoy Hotel after watching a documentary on television. With this piece, Elysia was drawn to the bright colours being reflected onto The Savoy Hotel’s most iconic vehicle. Working freehand with oil paints from a photograph, Elysia wanted to re-create the light and reflections whilst still keeping the brushstrokes visible.

Carol Foulger, On Reflection at Albert Dock - Have you ever been to a place that captures your heart and soul and makes you feel like you really belong there? This is the place where I belong. 

Nora O Murchu, Every goddess deserves a temple - To hope and to home. This majestic temple, finished in 1783, is perilously perched, in splendid isolation, atop a dramatic basalt cliff. The North Atlantic swell crashes against its base and there are views of the Irish coastline for days.

I based this linoprint on an original photograph taken on an outing to clear my head during lockdown. Fresh air, moss on the old walls like old velvet. I enjoyed the flow state of carving the old sea-weathered stone. It is inked in an earthy dark moss green to emphasise how nature and architecture meld together on location, as intended by those who constructed her all those centuries ago. 

Marina Deryabina, Yekaterinburg 01 - My home city Yekaterinburg was the inspiration for this work. As a child, the monochrome scenery impressed me a lot, and I found no other way but to illustrate the city in a few colors. Minimalistic style in my work is about prioritizing the essential. A minimalist building or object is stripped to its core function, realized using limited neutral colors, simple forms, and avoiding excess ornamentation to achieve a pure form of elegance.

Irene O Neill, Fire 1 - This painting responds to global warming and in particular bushfires. Fire has ravaged many parts of the world, destroying forests. California USA and Australia were the first to hit the media regarding forest destruction. This year we have had fires throughout Europe. My current practice focuses on global warming.  Painted in oils on canvas in 2020. Size 30 x 30 inches. 

Cid Roberts, Ever Upward - In the early months of pandemic in New York City, when everything was shutting down, life in the city was being eradicated. Not just figuratively but literally, life was being removed and at a terrifyingly noticeable rate. Photos of our barren store shelves and abandoned streets made worldwide headlines, but not the alarming rise in homelessness, which had spread throughout the  city to every street corner, bench, convenience store, even the city’s empty hotels were taken over for months. The tragedy of it grew worse every day, but was countered by a feverish push to build? Construction citywide soared with an almost arrogant determination. I thought to mysef, what is wrong with this picture?

Christopher Bruneaux, Untitled - This particular piece is based off lines from a Charles Baudelaire poem. I often paint first based off a poem or lyrics and whatever comes up after that is what lands on the canvas or paper. I try not to examine or think to much about the painting process or what I want to do. I enjoy the aspect of not knowing, just simply being in the moment, or letting the work take control and just becoming apart of the overall process. 

Christopher Bruneaux, Hurricane - This particular piece is based off lyrics from a song. I often paint based off a poem or lyrics and whatever comes up after that is what lands on the canvas or paper. I try not to examine or think to much about the painting process or what I want to do. I enjoy the aspect of not knowing, just simply being in the moment, or letting the work take control and just becoming apart of the overall process. 

Samidha Lad, Neon Sunset - And I was sitting by the window looking out at the sunset and just felt like capturing on canvas. The vibrancy of the sunset and the blue skies and golden rays just filled my mind with hope and excitement. I decided to express the same with the most vibrant colours representing the heartbeats filled with happiness and the contrast of the blue sky with a window deep within my mind looking further to life with cheers!

HER ART AND SHRINE, Éternellement - “Éternellement” is from the “Indigo inner peace” series.

Through internalized and controlled body language, inner peace is expressed through vertical flat areas emphasizing calm and tranquility. True communion between the canvas and my inner world, the pictorial creation manifests itself as a whole by indigo strokes stimulating the capacity for perception, developing intuition and clarifying the mind. This original conversation is an artistic process revealing my decisions, my personality, my ideas, my instinct. Through abstract painting I seek to foster inner harmony through calm and serene contemplation by orchestrating colors with simple shapes.

Pascie, Reflections, 2021. 80x100, acrylic on canvas - About our process of development. This work is part of my series ‘Behind The Walls’. A project about (historical) social structures projected through wall rhythms.

Vânia Quintão, The Litle Boy and his World - The longing for being a child is expressed in this work,that reminds us of a childhood that is free and unpunished. It fit our dreams and the entire universe and notthere were boundaries between the real and the imaginary. The curiosityof the child we were allows us to explorethe world, represented by these possible paths and territories.

Ahu Dogdas, Dance of Land and Sky - About Artwork: Everything in nature is part of an harmony. They are all synchronous in a admiring way. This painting reflects how land, sky, sun, clouds are harmonized together. They move like rehearsed to make a fascinating show for us.

Olga Goldina Hirsch, Pilgrims. On A Way + White Robs, - Her recent project “Pilgrims” emerged from the concept of a ‘shroud’, which absorbs thoughts, pain and pleasure. She is trying to relate her thoughts about her generation as a portrait; she is on the road with Pilgrims trying to wear their robs. She asks herself: Who Am I? Who Are We All? Which sex, nationality, race and religion are we in 21st c.? And in what direction are we going; is it the road, or the edge, or the opened night window to the stars? She relates her thoughts with Joseph Brodsky poetry “Pilgrims”.

Olga Goldina Hirsch, Pilgrims. On A Way + White Robs, - Her recent project “Pilgrims” emerged from the concept of a ‘shroud’, which absorbs thoughts, pain and pleasure. She is trying to relate her thoughts about her generation as a portrait; she is on the road with Pilgrims trying to wear their robs. She asks herself: Who Am I? Who Are We All? Which sex, nationality, race and religion are we in 21st c.? And in what direction are we going; is it the road, or the edge, or the opened night window to the stars? She relates her thoughts with Joseph Brodsky poetry “Pilgrims”.

Silvia Felizia, Equilibrium - My paintings are journeys that tell my story and the story of my surroundings, crisscrossing my present with my past, in a continuous search for reconciliation between my Latinx origins and the pull I feel towards the places I have lived. “Equilibrium” was created in November 2013 at the beginning of the Ukrainian Revolution when the police attacked peaceful anti-government protesters, most of them young women and university students. The gray-silver acrylic surface represents the cobblestone streets of Kyiv, and the red glass mosaic represents the marks of blood on the streets. I chose to work with glass because its fragility symbolizes the precarious trust between government and citizens that was broken that day.

Kenn Ocampo Bastasa, A Woman On Top Of The Hill - This masterpiece is one of my largest paintings, entitled “A Woman On Top Of The Hill”. An abstract art that was bore out of my frustrations, doubts and fears that I was experiencing while I was making this painting.As I was almost done, I was surprised how there was a woman standing courageously on my painting. Call it serependity or coincidence but it completes the bigger picture of my art. It represents the resilience needed to triumph over diversity.

Luise Ellerbrock, An unknown Place No 2 (2021) - The artwork “An unknown place” was created in 2021. The strong and delicate colors, which were brought with a palette knife in several layers on the canvas, do not merge in this work as usual in my works, but remain in their place. They meet each other, but keep their boundaries. Only now and then a contrary color places itself in a foreign field. This work is meant to express how it can feel to leave familiar places and structures in order to discover new, unknown places. Respect for the unknown, mixed with some fear, but also with courage and confidence - these feelings should find a place in my work and be allowed to coexist.

Lee Joon-young, An unexpected flood of emotions - We have had so many relationships that we can stimulate invisible emotions in our lives. I met a weak person in my heart through a lot of distrust and gossip. And the lack of darkness and language made the situation worse. There was a lot of emotional confusion and damage, and I became more conscious of myself as time went by. Everyone’s eyes were on me, and I couldn’t relax in the comfort of it, and I reached out into the endless darkness and started my journey without an appointment.Through this work, I was able to get closer to my heart.

Vian Borchert, Distant Lavender Fields - In the Summer of 2021, I created a series of Lavender Fields’ Paintings. Paintings such as this one have been inspired by my love for my lavender plants that I planted during COVID. I had seen the plants grow and flourish during this time which brought much happiness to my heart. In a way the lavender fields’ paintings are an ode to my love of lavender. I had found the lavender plant to be resilient and beautiful in its subdued tones. The resilience of the lavender plant had in return gave me much needed strength during this time. Hence, I set about celebrating not only its beauty but its strength in this series. 

Nives Palmić, THE WORLD OF DUALISM - The drawing THE WORLD OF DUALISM is a symbolic vision. It is an image  of constant battle between the opposite dimensions, which in some point merge  into one and the battle turns into calmness. Just like sea waves. The drawing is created with coloured inks and is part of the  series SEA WAVES. Some drawings in this series are more realistic in presentation, others act as  polygons for expressing different ideas and feelings. In my work I constantly move between realistic and abstract concepts, which are  in my opinion two sides of the same phenomena. My main art practise explores classic techniques such as graphite, charcoal, ink,  pastel, gouache and watercolor to combine it with a modern approach. 

Sam Haynes, Shout Out - I am a London based mid career artist, with a background in sculpture and public art. ‘Shout Out’ is a mixed media assemblage made in 2021, bringing together found objects and materials, building dynamic connections that reference domestic and architectural space. Developed through a playful and intuitive process, the contrasting colours and repeated forms create a sense of balance and tension that suggests a dramatic and amplified statement, animated through the use of light and shadow. Accessibility lies at the heart of my practice, influenced by many years arts facilitation and public engagement. My abstract assemblages are presented as limited edition photo prints on aluminium dibond.

Terry Miller, Zombie in the water - Abandoned fishing gear makes up most of the plastic pollution in some parts of the world’s oceans and seas, killing and injuring more than 100,000 whales, dolphins, seals, and turtles a year. From a series of sculptures, “Slices of Life” taking a sideways look at issues in a creative and thought-provoking way. Terry Miller was born in Nottingham, England. After serving in the Royal Navy, Terry began his career as a creative in advertising, eventually running his successful consultancy, designing and inventing games for major companies. Semi-retired Terry is now spending his time exploring sculpture and creative writing

Caterina Carraro, Guman Installation I - A gender fluid sculpture against Anthropocene, to promote a non hierarchical and non binary coexistence on the planet. “I am a unicellular organism, my matter is organic and mineral, also present in the space I inhabit. The atmosphere is in me, horizons pass between my membranes, immersion keeps me alive. I am a laboratory of life, an autopoietic system. I am a mother because I am not individualistic, but not according to the gender code. I live in symbiosis with my foetuses.”

Anastasiya Pishygina, Ural ornament - The artwork of Russian artist Anastasiya Pishygina. Concrete blocks/acrylic 

(Photo from street art festival Stenograffia, 2020)

The linear geometric patterns of the Ural embroidery were used in this artwork, they were gathered and systemized by art historians during their trips across Ural region.

Helen Murphy - copperlode, Mañana - Mañana, Mañana – Tomorrow, Tomorrow there’s always Tomorrow! Helen Murphy is metalsmith who is concerned with the destructive nature of man on the environment. This piece explores conservation and sustainability by spreading awareness through kinetic sculptural form. Helen’s goal is to help the word extinction become an unacceptable word in the 21st century. 

Rita Lazzaro, Orizzontale Mobile - E quindi uscimmo a riveder le stelle... It is the last verse 139 of Canto XXXIV of the Inferno of DanteAlighieri’s Comedy which, paradoxically, is so close to us today, at this time when the whole world is being ravaged by the hell of the coronavirus. With Dante, therefore, we would like to express the still current wish to soon see the stars again, to come out and see the light again. Sound installation by Rita Lazzaro & Ingo Borgardts. Our aim is to bring people closer to nature through performances in magical places where the elements of water, earth, fire, air and wood harmonise.

Shira-Lee Shalit, BLM - During the pandemic, I started painting canvases of all shapes and sizes, every single day. More than ever,  it became my saving grace, my meditation, my serenity. This piece “BLM“ (120 x 90cm) was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The bold colors of yellow and black are the colors that were used to paint the huge BLM signs on the main streets in chosen cities. My painting style is abstract action art. For me, it’s all about capturing the energy, passion, movement and color of the piece by being fully present in the moment, free to follow any and all creative impulses and let my imagination flow. Painting brings me so much joy.   

Elsa Egon, Chaloupé - This work shows a man ironing. The painting is divided into two parts. The shirt marks a horizon line almost like in a seascape at sunset. At the same time, a distorted perspective places the subject in a limited, enclosed, deep space. The title is associated with the idea of restless navigation. Man is represented in all his fragility, naked, from behind: without defence. Only the fabric of the ironing table is thick and colourful. It is an intimate, personal painting. The red background shows the restlessness of a generation that loses all pleasure in stable relationships.

Biagio Mastroianni, World of Apathy - Self-sabotage is arising around the globe: many people feel depressed and powerless, trapped and distracted from their fundamental aspect of their identity. Trapped from taking positive actions, breaking the chains that bind it to powerlessness, helplessness, worthlessness and frustration.  Too much bad consume of media and socials. Bad taste of its products brings people to self-sabotage manipulated mind to a severe depression. Passivity on an epic scale, playing roles of  false ideologies and bad attitudes. A lack of interest, indifference, enthusiasm and  no concern is characterizing apathy, you just don’t care what’s going on around you. This painting was exhibited at the Espacio Gallery - “Urban Angles”. 

Lorcan Cassidy, Good Stuff Bad Stuff - As a visual artist my work revolves around creating alternate realities and then making/drawing objects/artefacts/specimens from these fictitious worlds. One method I employ to create these strange otherworlds is to combine conflicting elements to form an uncanny entity or incarnation. An example of which would be pooling together colourful, delicious sweet treats as well as nightmares, refuse and the concept of mortality. From this union of opposites, a fascinating but unstable state of being is born.

Lamees Farooq, The Founding Father - When people think about modern art one of the first things that comes to mind is the lack of interest in history. The intention of this piece was to publicise exposure of contemporary art and history while also involving the audience in a spirit of pop culture. It is the perfect display of when heritage meets the 21st century. I tried to capture the spirit of today’s world and tried to incorporate with the founding father that the UAE resonates with Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The bright, neon, and fluorescent colours symbolizes the current themes and aesthetic which are dominating in the fashion world, and the newspaper as the background was chosen to symbolize the old age of black and white.

Dimitra Tsoutsia, Exit the King - The theme of the painting is based on the theatrical script of the homonymous play of Ionesco “Exit the king”. I tried to convey the sense of existential uncertainty, anxiety, and downfall that is expressed through that play. The painting is a part of a series of works that feedback visually the plots of many plays of the Theatre of the Absurd. In my opinion, the conclusions formed by their plots are more relevant than ever as the post-pandemic era we are going through gives rise to the agony that is evoked by the unexpected, the perishability, the communication gaps that are always present in human relationships and the new dimensions of our own relationship with ourselves that frustrations brought about.

Cid Roberts, Covid Liberty - The Covid-19 Pandemic will forever be credited with changing the world, global exchange, and the way humans interact with each other and with technology, ushering in the start of a new era in the history of the planet. In the late summer of 2020, I set out to create a piece that would offer some hope and bring some much needed strength to my fellow New Yorker’s, and people across the globe, who were dealing with so much heaviness and darkness. My attempt imagines embracing the current reality of living in a pandemic world, wrapping it around our identity , and allowing it to be come part of our fabric, our DNA, our story. 

Dean Imperial, Hollywood Rendezvous - I love much of Hollywood — particularly the deep red rooms of landmark bars and restaurants: Musso and Frank’s, Dan Tana’s, The Three Clubs. Great cinemas like Tarantino’s New Beverly. But it goes without saying that most of the rest is morally evacuate, insincere, and soul-crushing.  But still immensely seductive. This painting is a study of my perception of these intertwined polarities -- Hollywood’s atmosphere of beauty and horror.

Catherine W Hsuan, Woman in Gown - Art for me is an organic, intuitive, and also mechanical process. It is the bringing together of science and spirit, the flowering and blossoming of the eternal, all in an effort to transcend the here and now, elevating our consciousness into the immortality of a personal enduring expression. Love, energy, and the fusion of the diversity in the world is the best material for the content of authentic art. In art, I bring together the feminine, the masculine, and what stands independently alone - in its conception of what God bestows upon us as a touchstone for the world.

Bryan Hsuan, Woman and Volcano - Horror and beauty are everlasting, so let us make our errors not in the favor of horror, but we should err on the side of beauty.  My pursuit of the visual arts has everything to do with every other part of my efforts to create something new. My faith is my compass to guide me in my works, and my optimism and trust in the truth is the path that I take whenever I pick up a brush, a pencil, or any utensil to make art. Sometimes making art is like driving at night; you can only see as far as your headlights shine a light into the shadows.

Biagio Mastroianni, Get down to business - With devotion, seriousness, sympathy and care, interest and concern it’s the meaning of start doing  something you love. It’s like feeling freedom from things that doesn’t fit into your character.  The metaphor of watching from a boat on the sea to solid ground. Once you have experienced  freedom, it’s really not easy to go back to old mechanism and be trapped by old chains, even then if it  seems to be more secure. The pleasure of navigating is immense, discovering and experiencing new  challenges, but sometimes it’s also hard. You will face tempests, you need to know how to navigate  and you need to have knowledge how to sail with stormy winds.

Gary Crowder, Desolation Road - The artwork is one of a series I have recently been working on resulting from an visit to Canvey Island in Essex.I am attracted by end of the line, not easy to get to places, and I’d been planning to go to Canvey for a long time.

Canvey has a somewhat unloved reputation, and it was this notion I wanted to explore more. Walking near the estuary, past the rusting jetty’s and pylons, and looking out towards the old petrol plant, I was struck by an overwhelming sense of purposlessnes and vacancy, yet alongside that sense, I began to see potential, which for an artist is everything.

Annie Gendreau, Hong Kong - Architecture constructions all over the world are just the most fascinating, inspiring discoveries while travelling. Hong Kong was no exception. The apartment buildings blew me away. A complete labyrinth, overlapping blocks of colors that are just a pure visual feast.  

Annie’s artworks reveal a particularly intensive process where multiple applications of paint are layered and partly revealed. She loves the exploration of shapes, lines, surfaces, balance and textures. The colors are mixed and the palette is restricted to create harmony. Annie Gendreau was born in Quebec, Canada, and has been living in Europe for 17 years. After Amsterdam and Paris, South Germany is now her new home.

Rosalyn Ng, Daytime Illusions, no.1 - Born and raised in Hong Kong. Graduated from Chelsea College of Art, London in Fine art in 2015 My works translate nascent emotions into expressions. While I am involved in this active process, my purpose fundamentally lies, in inspiring the viewers to capture the multidimensional layers juxtaposed under bold colours and manifold textures. My drawings express spontaneous movement of forms with a natural balance of imaginaire, exploring different techniques and creating textures. 

Letteria Russo, Window into ocean - A versatile and synergetic creativity flowing towards the research of our internal experience and everything surrounding us, LillyLillà begins to draw and paint since childhood. As per vocation, the vigorous strokes of color become an extension of the soul and they exteriorize a pure and limitless energy through the blend of techniques and influences. Lines and tones from ultra violets to infrareds, fluo, strong and soft colors embracing the 9 colors of the rainbow: the acrylic on canvas translates into a language of vibrating combinations and contrasts where dreamlike labyrinths transcend verbal communication. 

Derrick Helphenstine, Spanish Mission - Derrick Helphenstine’s work “Spanish Mission” is an acrylic based “print” made by painting heavily on one canvas and smooshing the design onto subsequent other canvases or parts of canvas. He reports that the process is both therapeutic and somewhat surprising given the results. The work is based on the modern art style of Joan Miro.

Kenn Ocampo Bastasa, A Spectrum Towards A Visionary Heart - It has accumulated over hours, days, and weeks of unprocessed thoughts clouding my mind. It created a fog so thick that no more thoughts could penetrate it. Hopelessness and despair settled in. Through adulthood, growth, maturity and self-awareness fueled my becoming. It provided a different perspective of hope and bliss. A ray of light led me to where I am now. Thus, giving this masterpiece a title, “A Spectrum Towards a Visionary Heart.” This shed of light allows me to envision myself more clearly from my own path. It was interpreted by using oil on canvas and giving its texture that highly compliment all together.

Yannick William ASSIEDOU, Underwater Love - Acrylic on canvas 50*61cm, to express how Love can be fluid, refreshing, happy, sad, empowering, breathless,… Love is all and all is love. Artist based at Brussels, self-taught, Yannick Assiedou, has been honing his skills in acrylic painting for the past several years. His roots are on the Ivory Coast, which he left at a very young age to discover the world. This reflects in his work, inspired by biodiversity of our planet combined with the multifacets of human perception. Through bold colorful work he is challenging the expression and sensation of deep emotions. 

Erick Mota, THE GAME OF LIFE - While every human has the chance to hear God’s truth and choose whether to respond to it, the masterful battle between God versus The Devil is like a chess-match, in which we are the pieces. From the perspective of mankind, the battle of right vs. wrong, light vs. darkness, and good vs. evil, begins with a clash of values with God, being a meta-physical entity, destined to win the battle against the author of sins, in “The Game of Life.”

Catarina Diaz, Back to Earth, 2021 - My work celebrates art, our identity and life. I embrace artistic imagery as well as unexpected illustrations of nature, with its magical and mighty significance. This concept inspires me. My analog collages tell incredible stories, combining feminine sophistication as a reminder of self-worth with nature motifs, juxtaposing figurative interpretations with surreal arrangements.

“Back to Earth” evokes a primordial instinct, reconnecting to essence, to alpha and omega, the beginning and the end. It speaks to us of courage, magnificence and empowerment.

Sol Barberis, Blue peacock - An analogue collage. My passion for collage started recently, but in a short time it became the best way to find myself. It gives me a lot of peace and at the same time it takes me to a meditative dimension, to a timeless space where I can express myself freely, in a unique and unrepeatable production. I enjoy it since I start choosing the images I feel attracted to, and even the decision of the place that each piece of images occupies, as if I could reconstruct my own world. That is more than I could hope for, and certainly very valuable considering the difficult times we are going through.

Celine Lundqvist, Living with endometriosis - Endometriosis, sometimes called ”endo” is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places. Endometriosis can affect women of any age. It’s a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life. Endometriosis growths may swell and bleed in the same way the lining inside of your uterus does every month - during your menstrual period. This can cause swelling and pain because the tissue grows and bleeds in an area where it cannot easily get out of your body. There are many symptoms that people with endometriosis might experience, but the most common one is severe pain that might make it hard for the people with the condition to live a normal life. 

Sheila Romard, PENSIVE - Pensive captures the tranquility of our Northern Ontario landscape and invites the viewer to share a peaceful respite.

Chenesayi, Abundance - I did this piece at a time in my life were I was becoming in touch with my spirituality and realised the abundance that surrounded me. Roses express feelings and in particular red roses have always been known as a symbol of love. This piece symbolises the abundance and love that surrounds me. 

Veronica Benedetti, GROWING - Hair has roots, consciousness, it contains memories. Considered as an extension of our thoughts, ideas and fantasies, hair is part of our identity and is the fabric that surrounds us. They constantly recreate, grow and renew themselves. In ancient beliefs they acquired the value of sensory antennae; a direct connection to another dimension, spiritual and surreal. Made out of blades of grass, potting soil and the artist’s hair.

Gabrielle Mar, Mystical Garden - Life begins when you plant a garden; seeds of today are flowers of tomorrow. I’ve always been mesmerized by the beauty of flowers. When you allow yourself to slow down, savor and cherish each moment of life, beautiful details can present themselves. The mystical garden depicted here is a celebration of life, meant to evoke joy and harmony through vibrant colors. The movement of brush strokes are inspired by my family traditional training in Chinese calligraphy. I aim to bring out the energy of growth in this painting.

Samidha Lad, Spring in full bloom - Spring is that time of the year when every plant is covered with flowers. Basically life is rejuvenated. To me it not just symbolises change in nature but also an opportunity to reflect upon oneself and manifest the energies to uplift the soul. So, I created this energy through the colour palette of the blues and reds blending stretching among themselves, with each stroke of paint defining the moment breaking the chains of self-imposed limitations to rising high in the moment breathing with high energies and positivities. It’s like being submerged in the process experiencing a wonderful meditative moment and find your inspiration within

Olga Rtishcheva, Plasticity - We catch from the Stage something special. Something that touches our soul and prompts people to choose a stage profession - senses connecting the actors and the spectators.

‘Plasticity’ is part of my mixed media series called ‘Between the Stage and the Spectators’. In this series I was searching, what feelings dancers and actors of different stage professions transmit to viewers. I used materials which intensify senses - in the artwork ‘Plasticity’ it is plasticine.    

Paulo Amsel, The one that doesn’t know it, states it; the one that doubts it, speaks it; the one that knows it, doesn’t tell - This work is part of a series of 15, which addresses interpersonal relationships and the emotional and psychological conflicts created by them. The strong and unreal colours highlight the individual multiplicity, as well as, accentuating the drama of the scenes. It is supported by 250g/m2 paper and is performed through a mixed technique that combines, apparently, incompatible processes.

Loferrie, MOTHER EARTH Q_GUARDIANS X1 - Loferrie’s painting style is reminiscent of “Joaquin Torres Garcia” and his Universal constructivism. Loferrie explores the intersection of abstraction and pure geometrical forms and colours, with integrated symbols that represent an idea or concept. He believes that the relationship between the geometrical and the symbolic content embodies an ideal harmony within the universe. This painting reflects Loferrie’s inner world, his way to convey a universal message, a key to unlock hidden knowledge. Loferrie hopes that those viewing his work will participate in his creative process, perceiving his paintings as portals for their hearts to experience the purity of his intent.

LOUMA, OPera - OPERA is composed of two central elements one on the right which symbolizes anger, wrath and the other on the right to symbolize temperance and wisdom. Opera is composed of two central elements one on the right which symbolizes anger, wrath and the other on the right to symbolize temperance and wisdom.

Rosalyn Ng, Daytime Illusions, no.2 - Born and raised in Hong Kong. Graduated from Chelsea College of Art, London in Fine art in 2015 My works translate nascent emotions into expressions. While I am involved in this active process, my purpose fundamentally lies, in inspiring the viewers to capture the multidimensional layers juxtaposed under bold colours and manifold textures. My drawings express spontaneous movement of forms with a natural balance of imaginaire, exploring different techniques and creating textures. 

Isabel Castelló Ocampos, I can’t stop my thoughts - Those moments when decisions are difficult to make and ideas are not convincing are what inspired me to do this work. Have you ever been confused? We have many thoughts that navigate our subconscious and that are added to those that we generate daily. Many times a clear thought arises that helps us make a decision, but other times that spiral of thoughts dissipates us even more. Who can stop them? Part of the process of this work of great color and dynamism, can be seen on my Instagram account.

Lana Costanzo, Abundance - In THE KISS, my passion was to capture a moment in the couple’s relationship when they felt alive and connected. It is designed as a reference image to look at even when your relationship gets difficult - a positive reminder! I enjoy working on wraparound canvases. And it’s exciting to expect the unexpected in art.  So a white “Circle of Love” is painted as a SURPRISE in the 2-inch wraparound edge above their faces, invisible if you look at the painting from the front. It was important that my paintbrush seems to dance across the canvas, exploding in vibrant color. My desire is to capture a passionate relationship that you can FEEL.

Ellie Bremen, Spiritual Mandalas - I’m a Long Beach based mixed-media artist who was born and grew up in Istanbul. I believe art making is a process to become yourself, and you already have everything you need. I love patterns, textures, contrast colors and drawing mandalas on my artworks. Mandalas represent the universe and spiritual journey. The circle’s design symbolizes the idea that life is never ending and everything is connected. 

Gabrielle Mar, Sol - I’ve dreamt of my own version of Sol for a long time. Under the nourishment of the sun, all life on our planet is activating great vibration. Each ring of light in this painting is intended to yield a subtly distinct feeling and warm the heart. I was extremely careful with the order of colors that could bring forth the interesting contrast in this work. I hope to express the idea that all of us look to the heavens in search of noble purposes and to fulfill a desire to understand the universe.

Vânia Quintão, The Ice Age - The horizontality of this work, vertically conceived, brought to the eye an apparently unknown world, the result of spontaneous and intuitive brushstrokes. But it also brought a taste of “déjà vu”, a feeling of having already seen and that this  revealed landscape, although abstract, established a concreteness with the real world. I went to check… Conclusion: I’ve been to the North Pole!  Art teleports us!

Christa Capua, Mugshot in Bloom - My current work is digital collage printed on canvas. The subject matter explores themes of gender, sacred geometry, the life cycle and the collective unconscious.  The work is inspired by religious artifacts of various kinds, and I am influenced by many artists and styles, ranging from Joseph Cornell, Robert Rauschenberg, Renee Stout, and Swoon. I have been a psychotherapist for 15 years. My work as a therapist and my work as an artist are intertwined in that both explore the subconscious, the meaning and symbolism we attribute to the events in our lives, and the process of suffering/death and redemption/rebirth that are common experiences for us all.

Gloria Olarte, Sunflower - “Sunflower” was inspired by the beauty that underlines all magnificent nature, from the microscopic world to the greatness of the Cosmos. With this artwork i wanted to represent the harmony between different shapes of the constant process of creation and transformation of the Universe.

Kristin Ducharme, Please Me - I created ‘Please Me’ in the summer of 2021 as a response piece. At the beginning of the quarantine, many of us looked toward one another on best practices; often our decisions erring on the side of those in our own familiar circle of friends and family. As the quarantine’s months unexpectedly passed the one year mark, visible signs of dissension and polarization among communities emerged. The cacophony escalated from a focus on others to a focus on self. ‘What pleases you doesn’t hurt others’ evolved into ‘Do it just to please me’.  Exhausted of the collective, many have adopted a self-centeredness that ultimately extends the uncertainty ahead for all.