Katherine Borkowski-Byrne

"Ghosts of Matisse", expressionist, black, white, charcoal, mixed media

2022

“Compadres” is a 50 x 40 inch oil painting on canvas by Anita Loomis. A work from her “Couples” series, this vibrantly colored abstract composition in cool blue, green, violet palette with pops of warm orange, captures a moment with two dear souls connecting. It speaks to unspoken bonds and deep friendships in lives shared. With a painting style that hints at Loomis’s stained-glass past as well as her appreciation of European expressionist painting and cartoon animation, her active painting surface is rich with symbols and distinctive marks. "Compadres" includes elements drawn in oil pastel. This painting is signed on the back and on the left gallery edge. Anita Loomis is a painter who works from her studio in Kittery, Maine. Communication is the underpinning focus of her oeuvre. For the “Tomorrowland” series, each painting offers semi-abstract settings with unusual plant and animal life thriving in spaces with simple architectural forms and structures. Through this series of paintings, the artist asks what possible new species will evolve as the Earth changes. Anita Loomis creates paintings that explore facets of human dialogue and relationships. Through painting, humor, and a deep curiosity about human imperfection, she investigates what it means to navigate communication with people who see the world through different cultural lenses. Loomis paints to shine a light on the common threads that connect our human experiences and spotlight the value of empathy. Loomis earned her BA in Studio Art from Framingham State University in Massachusetts, and her MA with a concentration in Arts Management from the University of Central Florida. She worked in the field of architectural stained glass for fifteen years and has focused on painting since 2004. She lives and works in Kittery, Maine. Her work has been exhibited at Miller White Gallery, South Dennis, MA; Fountain Street Gallery, Boston, MA, and various exhibitions in New England, Pennsylvania...

“Golden Altar” by Catherine Picard-Gibbs is a expressionist interior church scene. This evocative 24 x 20 x 1 7/8 inch oil on canvas painting depicts a golden encrusted altar. The te...

Nan Hass Feldman’s “The Hills Are Alive”, is a Fauve Expressionist painting which means a loose, painterly, recognizable subject created with emotional subjective color. This scene i...

Nan Hass Feldman's "Night Message" is a 38 x 30 x 2.25 inch framed acrylic painting on canvas that is a dramatic, Expressionist, and Fauvist. "Night Message" uses the boat, the house...

Nan Hass Feldman’s “View From the Schoolyard” is a large acrylic landscape painting in the happy colors of fall: greens, blues, golds, sienna, and oranges. The artist describes her s...

“Strada” by Catherine Picard-Gibbs is a dynamic city scene, depicting a solitary figure walking down a street in Tuscany during the heat of the late afternoon. This gestural, express...

Breakfast 2016 by Juliane Hundertmark is from the artists 'Breakfast' exhibition at Knight Webb Gallery Brixton in 2017. The painting was purchased...

Shipping Procedure FREE Shipping Worldwide Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authent...

Shawarma, a delicious culinary delight enjoyed by many, takes center stage in this artwork. The artist playfully emphasizes the word "Shawarma" on the tote bag, highlighting its significance as a symbol of enjoyment and pleasure. This whimsical representation serves as a reminder to relish the simple, gastronomic experiences that can bring moments of happiness and contentment to our lives. "You can't buy happiness, but buy shawarma." These words resonate deeply, encapsulating the idea that true happiness cannot be purchased, but it can be found in the small, fleeting moments of joy. The artwork encourages us to seek happiness in the every day and appreciate the simple pleasures that add flavor to our lives. By celebrating the act of indulging in a beloved food like shawarma, the artist reminds us to embrace the little things that bring us happiness. "Sometimes a sad day is a good day to enjoy life." This thought-provoking statement challenges our perspective on difficult times, suggesting that even in moments of sadness, we can find solace in the small joys that surround us. The artwork portrays a young woman, perhaps caught in a moment of contemplation, choosing to uplift her spirits through the simple act of enjoying shawarma. It serves as a reminder that even during challenging times, we can find solace and pleasure in life's little pleasures. "Life is too short to not Shawarma" serves as a gentle reminder to live fully in the present. It urges us to savor the flavors, experiences, and connections that make life beautiful. In a world that often rushes by, this artwork encourages us to slow down and appreciate the present moment, relishing the delicious tastes and sensations that bring us joy. Food has an incredible ability to bring people together, transcending cultural boundaries and creating moments of shared happiness. The artwork's focus on shawarma as a source of enjoyment underscores the significance of culinary delights in our lives. It invites us to celebrate the diverse flavors and experiences that the world of food offers, fostering connections and creating memories. "Life is too short to not Shawarma" is not just a whimsical artwork...

"Melanated Queen" is more than just a painting; it's a tribute to the beauty that resides within melanin-rich individuals and an homage to the resilience of African queens throughout history. Odetomi expertly captures the essence of this woman, her features exuding confidence and pride. The warm, earthy tones used to depict her skin convey a sense of strength and natural beauty, while the rose flower ribbon symbolizes femininity and grace. The woman's posture in the painting is a testament to the empowerment of women, especially women of color. Her regal posture and unyielding gaze project an aura of self-assuredness, breaking free from the limiting stereotypes that have plagued the representation of African women in art for centuries. Odetomi's brushstrokes artfully depict the subtle yet powerful transformation of vulnerability into strength, revealing the queen-like qualities present within every woman. Central to the artwork is the rose flower ribbon adorning the woman's hair. The rose has long been associated with love, beauty, and passion, and its presence here infuses the painting with a sense of romance and elegance. Moreover, the rose flower ribbon serves as a symbol of the interconnectedness between nature and the woman's identity. It highlights the harmony she shares with the world around her, as well as her ability to nurture and cultivate beauty in her surroundings. Abayomi Odetomi...

In "Wuraola," Odetomi skillfully captures the attention of onlookers with the magnificent presence of a woman donning a striking gele. Gele, a traditional African headwrap, symbolizes grace, elegance, and the celebration of femininity. The artist's meticulous strokes and vibrant colors draw the viewer's gaze to the intricate folds and contours of the gele, which cascades dramatically around the woman's head, commanding awe and admiration. Enhancing the allure of the artwork are the woman's stunning earrings, depicted in exquisite detail. These bold and oversized accessories serve as a testament to African culture, where jewelry holds great significance. The intricate design and meticulous craftsmanship of the earrings capture the essence of African artistry, exemplifying a sense of heritage and grandeur. Abayomi Odetomi...

I stared at the man with keen interest, hoping to know more about what life has in store for me. The man looked at me sternly, and I couldn’t be more convinced he had seen everything, including my afterlife. A strange language jolted me back to reality as I realized the lady in the room had arrived at the intersection where "Malaicha" and other spirits were. I watched in confusion as the man quickly scribbled down what appeared to be an interpretation of the foreign tongue. My patience dwindled per second as the man kept penning down words. To shorten a long story short, the interpretation was presented in bold letters. My background was also written as additional proof of the veracity of the "spirit." I became eager to know the way forward. "Abeg, Sir, and Ma help my life." "I want to come out of my family's shackles and enemies," I pleaded. They exchanged a knowing look as if they’d been anticipating this moment. My pockets started running dry while my anxiety spiked. I was told to join their religion and denominations. Of course, it’s preferable to go from "God" to "God" in spiritual warfare. I wish to go back to the point of ignorance, where no one was after my life and every day was another day to conquer. A few months later, I realized that to see beyond any circumstances, we must be at ease and calm; we are better able to discern people’s motivations. To see beyond is to see with our inner eyes rather than filthy, unknown eyes. To see beyond is to remain steadfast in personal prayer and to hold out hope that your prayers will be heard. To see beyond is to see beyond the limitations of flesh, realizing that you are gods. Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About Artist Abiola was born in 1992, in Odo-ona Elewe, Ibadan, Nigeria. He was trained and mentored by Mr. Tope Fatunmbi...