International Women Art Opening
Jersey City, NJ – 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace, is proud to present “International Women” Exhibition curated by Kristin J. DeAngelis. The show features six female artists: Blond Jenny, Marit G. Bostad, Mia Gjerdrum Helgesen, Vidhi Mehrotra, Swati Rogasti and Catherine Schmitt. The “International Women” Exhibition will run from March 9, 2019 - April 27, 2019 with an opening reception Saturday, March 9th from 4:00pm - 8:00pm.
The show originated from curator, Kristin J. DeAngelis’ visit to Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation (ESKFF) during the International Residencies in the Summer of 2018. Kristin met Marit G. Bostad and Mia Gjerdrum Helgesen and immediately wanted to showcase their art. While trying to figure out how to connect the art into a themed show, it hit her that the connection was incredibly easy - they were both women who were not from the United States. March being Women History Month - it seemed only natural that an International Women show was created. The running thread is that all artists are women and were born in a country outside of the United States. Some of the artists still reside in their home countries and some now reside in the United States.
Blond Jenny is a painter, photographer and performance artist based in New Jersey. Her work is a mix of storytelling through her alter ego cartoon character Blond Jenny, her self-portraits, found objects from nature, 360-degree photos, video, and lenticular photography. Her work speaks to her life experiences, social evolution, and culture. Her recent work is focused on nature, women’s rights, and American politics. Her work in the International Women show showcases her use of flower petals. Using found objects from nature is a source of happiness for Blond Jenny. She has found freedom in nature and continues to explore the path between life, death, and beyond. Blond Jenny has a Bachelor’s degree and Master of Fine Arts from Gachon University, South Korea and Fashion Management Associate degree from Berkeley College, New York.
Marit G. Bostad is an abstract colorist works who lives in Horten Vestfold County, Norway. The impetus of her paintings is emotionally-charged. Describing her practice as a kind of therapy and a way to switch off from the flurry of conscious activity in her mind, Bostad’s feelings and expressions in her work are highlighted by their lasting impression on the viewer. The source of her abstract paintings is memories and people, whose essence she intuitively attempts to preserve on the canvas. Richly colored and textured, incorporating layer upon layer of acrylic paint, the canvases are imbued with a fresh, youthful approach, one of positivity, reinforced by an invigorating color palette.
Artist, designer and sculptor, Mia Gjerdrum Helgesen, is from Asker Norway. With her art, Mia, wants to show how our delicate emotions in contrast with everything that comes from the outside, the cynical and mechanical world that we must deal with.
Mia works in many layers of paintings over time. Each process includes building the structure and design that will slip through the sense and the feelings that captures the emotion and the moment. She describes this as a reverberation of that moment or feeling that describes the theme. She works, on the experience of the moment and it feels a mental standstill provides. She wants the viewer to absorb the journey through layers of experiences that give a sense and reverberation one can carry on.
Mia Gjerdrum Helgesen has her education from The Academy of Art in San Francisco, The Royal Academy of Art in Olso and an art direction degree from the Westerdals School of Communication Art Oslo. She has had her semi-abstract paintings have been exhibited in Norway, Copenhagen and New York.
Vidhi Mehrotra grew up in a culturally rich household in India where Sufi and Hindustani Classical music echoed throughout the halls and colorful textiles adorned the walls, Vidhi was inspired at a very young age by the artistic world which surrounded her. The quintessential rich color palette and textural quality of the Indian textile, in addition to a deep appreciation for classical and Sufi music nurtured by her family, are an inextricable part of the work she creates today.
In 2011, Vidhi moved to the United States to pursue her career in visual art, pursuing studies at both the School of Visual Arts and The Art Student's League of New York. Vidhi resides in Jersey City and paints at her studio in Hoboken, New Jersey. Her paintings are included in private collections in New Delhi, Istanbul, New York City and New Jersey.
Swati Rastogi Swati was born in Allahabad, a cultural city in North India. She came to the United States in 2012. From her studies, she is highly influenced by folk and tribal arts of India- motifs from these reflect consistently in her creations. It is an idea in the mind delivered on a surface and is definitely a creative expression where she lets her hands free. As she embarked upon the creative journey towards self-realization, she explores different mediums, formats and styles. Her own style involves her study, culture, traditions, aesthetics, emotions and intellect.
Catherine Schmitt was born in Paris, France. For the past 35 years, she has been commissioned to create art work for diverse industries. For her sculpture is three dimensional poetry, a collage of symbolic objects and figures which rise from all the shapes of nature and life experiences
Curator, Kristin J. DeAngelis has over 25 years of art, marketing and sales experience culminating with being owner, director and curator at 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace.
As a gallery director, Kristin works with artists, galleries, interior designers and collectors. As an art educator, Kristin works with children under 12 years of age to bring out the Young Master within them. As an art advocate, Kristin coaches pre-emerging artists to get them focused and back on track to their creativity. She is a member of the Association for Women Art Dealers and The Jersey City Arts Council.
Kristin’s goal is to empower artists of any age to be successful in their goals. “Artists are the rock stars. I am just the roadie that is going to get them to their next gig.”
The exhibition will be on view at 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace through April 27, 2019. Gallery hours are Friday 11:00am - 6:00pm; Saturday and Sunday 11:00am – 4:00pm, and by appointment. To schedule a viewing, please contact curator, Kristin J. DeAngelis: (201) 280-4821 or kd@107bowersgallery.com. 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace is located at 107 Bowers Street, Jersey City, NJ 07307. For additional information on the gallery and curator, please visit: www.107bowersgallery.com
107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace
107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace mission is to be a hub of creative endeavors. Not just an Art Gallery where art is viewed and for sale, but an ArtSpace embracing the creative journey, encouraging participation in the arts through advocacy, education and outreach. 107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace is place for artists to be able to connect with one another and the community.
Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation (ESKFF)
The Eileen S. Kaminsky Family Foundation (ESKFF) is a non-profit organization committed to bringing together artists, collectors and curators through the development and presentation of innovative programs and exhibitions.
Directions:
107 Bowers Gallery & ArtSpace is located at 107 Bowers Street in Jersey City Heights. It is just blocks away from central shopping area and the Light Rail — making it an easy destination from anywhere in the greater Manhattan and North Jersey areas!
(Port Authority to Central and Bowers Street stop in Jersey City)
