38th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition August 21 – August 28, 2024
Reception: August 22, 2024, Thursday, 6-8 PM
530 West 25th Street, New York, NY
Agora Gallery is pleased to announce The 38th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition Exhibition, the gallery’s annual juried summer showcase, featuring paintings and sculptures in diverse styles and media. Every year the competition provides a select group of artists with the opportunity to showcase their work in the heart of Chelsea, New York’s very own art district. The winners were handpicked among hundreds of international and local applicants by an esteemed panel of jurors. This year the judging committee was comprised of Lydia Matthews, writer, curator, and Professor of Visual Culture at Parsons School of Design, NY; and Shana Nys, art critic, curator, author, and Arts Editor of L.A. Weekly. The exhibition will run from August 21 to August 28, 2024, with an opening reception on Thursday, August 22, 6-8 PM.
The 38th Chelsea International Fine Art Competition
Merlina Ahmad
Ric Ambrose
Hauke Andersen
Anahita Bagheri
Lewis Bingham
Marjon Van Boeckel
Susan Borowitz
Leigh Brooklyn
Paula Calarame
Sandra Cardona
Marquest Cathcart
Ryn Clarke
Matan Ben Cnaan
Marquis de Sid
Delnara El
Yann Jaime
Bohdanna Kesala
Mitsutaka Konagi
Mondi Augustine Mbhele
Alexander Mikhalchyk
Rachel Moser
Masela Nkolo
Rebecca Payne
Angie Redmond
Katie See
Dragan Strukelj
Anna Togyre
Karen Troyer
Yaowei Tu
Junzhong Zhao
Melina Ahmad
Plaster, wire, and branches
Daphne
38” x 27” x 24”
Open Heart
Fabric and wire
18” x 13” x 9”
Ric Ambrose
Ric Abmrose’s pencil drawings vividly portray the rich tapestry of urban life, blending elements from Chinese scroll painting and social realism to unveil the complexities of human experiences. Each large-scale piece captures diverse urban interactions and reflects the unique vibrancy of the Bay Area.
Influenced by the likes of Edward Hopper and Sally Mann, Ambrose’s award-winning work invites viewers to engage deeply with the fascinating stories woven into each artwork, sparking curiosity and connection.
Based in Richmond, CA, Ambrose holds a BFA from the University of Oregon and an MFA from Colorado State University.
Lost Hope
Graphite on paper
34” x 120”
Of Curiosity
Portraits
Graphite on paper
34.5” x 112”
Hauke Andersen
Lissabon Oil on canvas
100” x 120”
Anahati Bagheri
Twist, Falling
Handmade papier-mache, wood, metal, mesh
72” x 35” x 35”
Lewis Bangham
Lewis Bangham is an oil painter from Healdsburg, Sonoma County, who masterfully combines intellectual rigor with emotional depth in his art.
Trained at the Art Students League and Otis Art Institute, Bangham draws inspiration from the human rights movement and ecological concerns, showcasing his dedication to social and environmental issues.
Joey Miller Composing Oil on canvas
30” x 40”
Tilda Nextime 2
Oil on canvas
30” x 24”
Marjon Van Boeckel
Two Dimensional 2, 2023
Oil on canvas
59” x 35.5”
Two Dimensional 1, 2022 Oil on canvas
55” x 35.5”
Susan
Borowitz
Susan Borowitz is a digital photography artist and proud ICP alum from West Harrison, NY.
Previously a comedy writer-producer for popular shows like Family Ties and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, she brings a unique narrative style to her art.
Influenced by seminal female photographers such as Cindy Sherman, Francesca Woodman, and Diane Arbus, Borowitz’s self-portraits explore the complex experiences of aging women in today’s youth-centric patriarchal culture. With a blend of humor and seriousness, they reflect the coexistence of tragedy and comedy in life.
Archival pigment print
Buried
30” x 40”
On Hold
Archival pigment print
40” x 29.5”
Leigh Brooklyn
Him, 2017 Oil on canvas
28” x 22”
Paula Calarame
Argentinean artist Paula Calarame channels her deep connection to nature’s complexities into intricate visual narratives. Working with watercolor, pencils, and metallic inks, she focuses on themes of persistence and transformation, bringing vibrant colors to life on black paper. Calarame’s work combines elements of Abstract Expressionism and Fauvism. Her artistic process involves a dynamic interplay between fluid ink paths and detailed lines, creating spontaneous patterns that evolve into organized forms. She invites viewers to explore these fragmented landscapes, uncovering personal pathways within the layered compositions.
In the Darks, 2023
Ink drawing on paper 23.5” x 17”
Defined Membranes, 2023
Drawing inks on paper 23.5” x 17”
Ink drawing on paper 18”
Untitled 2413
x 12”
Sandra Cardona
New York native Sandra Cardona creates dynamic compositions inspired by architecture and the urban environment. Her inspirations span multiple creative fields, including the perspectives in film and photography, the composition in graphic design, and the textures in fashion. Her extensive experience in architecture and interior design also plays a key role in her work.
Her technique involves layering mixed media—acrylic paint, graphite, compound, and spray paint—allowing the painting to evolve through various stages. Her current series, Lifescapes, captures snapshots of moments, thoughts, or acts, blending spatial environments with objects that represent contemporary life.
Let It Rip
Acrylic, graphite and spray paint on wood panel 24” x 24”
Uptime
Acrylic & pencil on wood panel 24” x 24”
Ryn Clarke
Ohio-based artist Ryn Clarke transforms her photographic visions into stunning metal prints. Despite facing challenges with severe glaucoma and diplopia, Clarke’s innovative approach to composite photography offers a unique perspective that showcases her extraordinary worldview. Her remarkable work has garnered prestigious accolades, including being recognized as the Artsy Shark Featured Artist (May 2024) and Floral Artist of the Year by Art Design Consultants (November 2023).
Clarke’s composites, inspired by the beauty of nature and the reflection prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, encourage viewers to explore intricate stories and uncover hidden details, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.
2 Hummingbirds
Photograph on metal 20” x 20”
For Kate
Photograph on metal 20” x 20”
Peonies Everywhere
Photograph on Metal
20” x 20”
Matan Ben Cnaan
The Bureaucrat Oil on board
78.5” x 157.5”
Marquis de Sid
Watercolor & ink on paper
20.4” x 15”
Pregnantology
Delnara El
The work of Ukrainian artist Delnara El beautifully captures themes of resilience, migration, and our deep connection to nature. Now based in Kaş, Turkey, El’s artistic expression spans various mediums, including watercolor, collage, cyanotype, and sculpture, each reflecting her remarkable journey through geopolitical challenges and diverse landscapes.
Influenced by iconic figures like Barbara Kruger and René Magritte, Delnara’s creations invite thoughtful contemplation and foster empathy. Her exhibitions and art tours in 15 countries highlight her dedication to cultural exchange and showcase the richness of the global art scene.
Away From..., 2024
Digital photo-collage printed on canvas 27.5” x 27.5”
Roots, Plans and Where I Am, 2023
Digital photo-collage printed on canvas
27.5” x 27.5”
Yann Jaime
Born in Switzerland and embracing his Swiss-Chilean roots, Yann Jaime’s artistic journey is a testament to diverse experiences and global exploration.
With a strong educational foundation from Zurich Polytechnic and Ecole du Louvre, Jaime masterfully blends classical and contemporary techniques. His Cloud Towers series contemplates monumental architecture and the essence of the human spirit.
Yann Jaime was awarded the Prix Spécial at the 8th Gran Premio Arte Contemporanea in Milan 2023 for his remarkable work, which combines the elegance of French classicism with contemporary storytelling.
Full Moon, 2024 Oil on canvas
36.5” x 28.5”
Paradise, 2024
Oil on canvas
36.5” x 28.5”
Pause, 2024
Oil on canvas
36.5” x 28.5”
Bohdanna Kesala
Raised in the Ukrainian community of Chicago and now based in Napa, Bohdanna Kesala’s oil paintings delve into her family’s heritage, while addressing the challenges faced by her people today.
Inspired by the garments and textiles from her childhood home, her Embroidery Paintings serve as a poignant tribute to her cultural identity—a cherished legacy now threatened by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
With a Master of Fine Arts from San Francisco State University, Bohdanna has received numerous accolades, including the Leo D. Stillwell Jr. Scholarship and the Graduate Student Award for Distinguished Achievement.
And Round It Goes Oil on linen
20” x 20”
Stand My Ground Oil on linen
20” x 20”
Who’s Winning Oil on linen
20” x 20”
Mitsutaka Konagi
Mitsutaka Konagi is a ceramic, stone, and wood sculptor living and working in Brooklyn, NY.
Born in Japan, Konagi dedicated a decade to mastering the art of stone carving with a restoration company in New York City, where he worked on iconic landmarks and historic buildings.
This experience deepened his appreciation for the history and memory of stone, fueling his unique artistic vision.
Konagi’s art highlights the beauty of unintentional shapes and textures, often made from leftover materials. His series Leftovers From New York features sculptures crafted from stones salvaged from iconic restoration projects, embodying the spirit of the city.
Leftovers From New York (1) Stone
9” x 9” x 4”
Leftovers From New York (2) Stone
16” x 8.5” x 3.5”
Leftovers From New York (7) Stone
8” x 10” x 5.5”
Leftovers From New York (9) Stone
13.5” x 10” x 4”
Leftovers From New York (11) Stone
9” x 7.5” x 4”
Marquest Cathcart
Marquest Cathcart’s artistic journey was ignited by his mother’s passion for art during childhood, propelling him to cultivate a unique and eclectic style.
A transformative journey to South Africa profoundly impacted his artistic vision, anchoring it in African art and abstract forms that elegantly express his deep appreciation for culture and his identity as an African American artist.
His work celebrates diversity, with a mission to subvert stereotypes and foster a sense of connection and understanding.
Washed, 2024 Digital art
42” x 29.5”
Digital art
What’s The Storie, 2024
40” x 40”
Mondli Augustine Mbhele
Isitimela Sohobelo
Mixed media on fabric
35.5” x 57”
Mixed media on fabric
Letihafula Setape
35.5” x 62.5”
Alexander Mikhalchyk
In the vibrant heart of Irpin, Ukraine, Oleksandr Mykhalchuk, aka Alexander Mikhalchyk, transforms his rich life experiences into stunning oil paintings. His art reflects the intricate tapestry of Ukraine’s recent history, offering a striking blend of beauty and resilience.
Each of his canvases bursts with spontaneous energy and thoughtful social commentary, creating a dynamic dialogue between the artist and the world. International exhibitions, book covers, and museum collections have featured his remarkable work.
30% of his sales proceeds will be donated to support Ukrainian war victims.
Allegory Of War, 2022
Oil on canvas
47.5” x 35.5”
Tower Of Babels, 2022
Oil on canvas
39.5” x 47.5”
Moser
Rachel
Rachel Moser is an interdisciplinary artist and educator based in central Kentucky, who passionately explores the intersection of art and environmental impact through sculptures, videos, installations, and sound pieces. With a BFA from Cornish College of the Arts and an MFA from the University of Kentucky, Moser draws inspiration from her ballet background and transformative experiences at the Arctic Circle Residency, in Svalbard, Norway.
Moser exhibited internationally and is a Professor of Digital Art at Eastern Kentucky University, in Richmond, Kentucky.
Garbage collected on Arctic beaches, bio plastic baggies, paper 60” x 72” x 0.5”
Arctic Garbage
Masela Nkolo
Masela Nkolo is a Congolese multidisciplinary artist based in Atlanta, Georgia. Reclaiming discarded materials such as oil lanterns, screwdrivers, and doors, Masela crafts totemic figures that embody his personal experience through a syncretic interpretation of traditional African art.
Growing up during the Congo Civil War, Nkolo’s art powerfully embodies themes of resilience and transformation, drawing from his journey and the rich cultural heritage of the Congo. Influenced by African tribes and modern Congolese masters, Nkolo’s work serves as a vital bridge between past and present, celebrating identity and advocating for peace and social justice.
Untitled, 2024
Mixed media sculpture
20” x 18.5” x 6.5”
Untitled, 2024
Mixed media sculpture
17.5” x 14.5” x 6”
Mixed media sculpture on panel door 44”
Untitled, 2024
x 36” x 7”
Rebecca Payne
Rebecca Payne is a queer rural artist based in Waterloo, Canada. Spanning painting, drawing, experimental media, and printmaking, Payne’s work is defined by a deep fascination with liminal spaces—those transitional, often overlooked moments that are as ephemeral as they are significant. Their art meditates on the poignancy of fleeting experiences, capturing the elusive atmosphere of spaces in transition and the quiet exchange that unfolds between artist and environment.
Payne’s current body of work is a poignant exploration of themes like loneliness and the delicate, intangible atmospheres that hover within transitional spaces. Her art resonates as visual poetry, a series of meditative compositions that invite the viewer to linger in the emotional and narrative undercurrents of each piece.
Edge Of Suburbia Marker pen on paper
12” x 9”
Angie Redmond
Angie Redmond creates rich oil paintings that go beyond political and identity labels, celebrating the beauty of individual human experiences. With an MFA from Northern Illinois University and her role as an adjunct art instructor, Redmond expertly combines academic knowledge with a passion for capturing authentic, relatable moments.
Inspired by the global impact of the Black Lives Matter movement and celebrated artists such as Kehinde Wiley and Jenny Saville, her art beautifully honors the shared human emotions and connections that unite us all.
Whenever We Get Together
Oil on canvas
35” x 35”
Katie See
Katie See creates vibrant worlds with markers, transforming constraints into exciting creative possibilities. Each piece she produces is a celebration of introspection and strength, skillfully blending abstract and contemporary styles to explore the intricate dance of emotions and experiences.
With a deeply personal narrative, her art captures the chaos of life with remarkable precision, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and find comfort. Influenced by the artistry of Gustav Klimt and fueled by insatiable curiosity, See transforms her daily challenges into captivating visual explorations that resonate universally.
Cicadas Song, 2024 Marker on paper
22” x 16.5”
Markers on paper
Den of the Snake, 2024
10.5” x 10.5”
Marker on paper
Chance Encounter, 2024
16.5” x 23.5”
Dragan Strukelj
Side
On the Other
Oil on canvas
24” x 24”
Alternative?
Whats the
Oil on canvas
48” x 36”
Anna Togrye
Anna Togrye seamlessly merges her scientific knowledge in biology with her artistic skills to produce exquisite clay sculptures that honor the beauty of our natural environment. Inspired by artists such as Christina Mrozik and Ellen Jewett, her creations explore essential themes of environmental stewardship and the pressing impact of climate change.
Utilizing polymer clays and vibrant raw pigment powders, Togrye creates richly textured and colorful pieces that showcase the intricate details of nature. Her art serves as a powerful reminder of our urgent responsibility to preserve our planet’s beauty.
Shoal
Handmade cold porcelain petals on canvas 36” x 24”
The World Without Us
Clay
13” x 14” x 6”
Karen Troyer
For twenty years, Karen Troyer has used textiles and found objects to create art that sparks awareness and challenges viewers to confront pressing issues about the future. Her latest series of quilts, Unknown, But Seen, brings awareness to the horrors occurring in the world today, whether drawn from personal experience or observed.
Emotionally charged, her art is a call to action, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable realities and ignite change. Each stitch represents her commitment to creating a vibrant, sustainable, and just future, leaving a legacy woven into the world’s fabric.
Constellation of Scars/ Culture of Impunity Fabric
21” x 29.5” x 1”
Yaowei Tu
Taiwanese artist Yaowei Tu creates intricate ink illustrations where alchemy and magic intertwine. Drawing from his background as a pharmacist and graphic designer, and inspired by his love for Harry Potter, Tu crafts fantastical compositions that blend whimsy with reality. A painful medical experience led him to transition from vibrant colors to black-and-white pen and ink drawings, echoing the precision of his pharmaceutical past. Influenced by Victorian aesthetics, Tu’s work balances reminiscence with introspection, inviting viewers to explore a world where the mystical and empirical converge, finding wonder in the everyday.
Rhapsody in the Sky, 2023
Ink on paper
24.5” x 18.5”
True Elegance Doesn’t Come from Suits, 2023 Ink on paper
18” x 12”
The Non Existent Alchemy of Happiness, 2023 Ink on paper
19.5” x 13.5”
Junzhong Zhao
Dome 15, 2022
Acrylic on aluminum board
19.5” x 19.5” x 2”
Dome 16, 2022
Acrylic on aluminum board
19.5” x 19.5” x 2”
Gallery hopping in New York
Agora Gallery is located within the heart of the Chelsea Arts District with available hours from Tuesday – Saturday 11 am - 6 pm.
Opening receptions are held once a month, giving you the opportunity to meet the artists and view a variety of original artwork. Visit our website and subscribe to our mailing list to stay up to date on all events and happenings – www.Agora-Gallery.com/mailinglist
