K E N I S E B AR N E S F I N E AR T
Anti-Pareidolia New Paintings by Andrea Kantrowitz March 3 – April 14, 2018
on the cover: Verrucosa Sanguine
Verrucosa Sanguine, 2018 oil on canvas 40 x 40 inches $6500.
ANTI-PAREIDOLIA NEW PAINTINGS BY ANDREA KANTROWITZ Kenise Barnes Fine Art is pleased to present a solo exhibition of new oil paintings by Andrea Kantrowitz. The gallery has been honored to represent the artist since 2005. In addition to her inclusion in numerous group shows, this is her third solo exhibition. Pareidolia refers to the way we sometimes see things that aren’t really there in random phenomena: the ice cream castle in the sky, the man on the moon, or Jesus on the grilled cheese sandwich. Finding what is there is the patient work of painter Andrea Kantrowitz. This exhibition titled “Anti-Pareidolia” is the examination of complex structures of coral, crystals and plants to reveal the intricate structures formed through nature’s random processes. The artist’s careful observation and close scrutiny generates discovery and understanding of how these marvels have come to be. By concentrating on a singular structure and by conflating the scale of these small, elaborately-constructed organisms, Kantrowitz compels us to share in the magic of discovery. Though the artist is focused on close observation, she paints generously, often loosely, in luxurious oil colors achieving a rare luminosity. Her paintings are literal depictions of specific information while allowing space for metaphor and imagination. Andrea Kantrowitz earned her EdD at Columbia University, her MFA from Yale University School of Art and her BA from Harvard University. She has been widely published and is a frequent invited speaker throughout the USA, the UK and Singapore, including a 2017 TEDx Talk. Dr. Kantrowitz currently teaches at the State University of New York @ New Paltz. She lives and works in Pelham, NY. In-home or in-office consultations are complimentary. Artwork may be seen on approval. Delivery and installation available.
detail: Anthozoa Stellae
Anthozoa Stellae, 2018, oil on canvas 36 x 48 inches, $8000.
detail: Serpulae Occultatum
Serpulae Occultatum, 2018 oil on canvas, 40 x 40 inches, $6500.
detail: Brassica Oleracea Caput
Brassica Oleracea Caput, 2018 oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, $5000.
detail: Brassica Oleracea Medulla
Brassica Oleracea Medulla, 2018 oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, $5000.
detail: Brassica Oleracea Solum
Brassica Oleracea Solum, 2018 oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, $5000.
ANDREA KANTROWITZ
STATEMENT
When natural forms become larger than life, a piece of fruit can stand in for the human body, a fragment of coral becomes a fantastic landscape. In the close and precise observation of these forms, they become mysterious, perhaps menacing and seductive at once. Pareidolia refers to the way we sometimes see things that aren’t really there in random phenomena: the ice cream castle in the sky, the man on the moon, or Jesus on the grilled cheese sandwich. In my current exhibition, AntiPareidolia, I examine complex structures — coral, crystals plants, formed through random natural processes, and find the hidden patterns that are there. I look at my subjects closely in order to understand how they have come to be. I invite the viewer to look beyond a literal description of familiar forms, and see what else they might discover. I hope to inspire curiosity and wonder. From 2005 - 2016 my work focused on the fibers, tissues and corpuscles of torn fruit and vegetables as a way to examine the nature of living flesh more generally, with its universal processes of seduction, destruction and regeneration. The fruit acts as a surrogate for the human body. We know things first through touch, feeling our way through the world; many baby mammals do not even open their eyes for days after birth. Yet, the newborn human’s gaze is intense. Cognitive neuroscientists suggest that the infant looks at you so directly to get inside your head, to understand your emotions and intentions, and perhaps even influence what you might do next. The capacities to observe closely and to imaginatively project ourselves into what we see develop in tandem. As we gain experience, we are always comparing current perceptions with prior knowledge, developing hypotheses and conjectures in response to an ever changing, shifting world. In my paintings, I invite the viewer to look beyond a literal description of coral or fruit, and see what else they might discover. Opposite page: installation view, Brassica Oleracea Series (left), Granatum Scissa (right)
detail: Granatum Scissa
Granatum Scissa, 2017 oil on canvas, 36 x 96 inches (triptych), $10,000.
detail: Shawangunk Krustallos To Kokkino
Shawangunk Krustallos To Kokkino, 2018 oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, $5000.
detail: Shawangunk Krustallos PraĚ sinos
Shawangunk Krustallos PraĚ sinos, 2018 oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, $5000.
detail: Shawangunk Krustallos Mavros
Shawangunk Krustallos Mavros, 2018 oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, $5000.
detail: Shawangunk Krustallos Lutum
Shawangunk Krustallos Lutum, 2018 oil on canvas, 30 x 30 inches, $5000.
K E N I S E BAR N E S F I N E AR T was founded in 1994 on the belief that art is essential. We are a gallery and art consulting firm representing emerging and mid-career, investment-quality artists. Our program includes over fifty artists working in a variety of mediums. The gallery mounts more than a dozen exhibitions annually in our Larchmont, NY space and in addition, curates for outside venues. Kenise Barnes Fine Art is an experienced art consulting firm. We guide both residential and corporate collectors and work collaboratively with designers and architects to provide and source artwork for projects of all sizes. Our client list includes New York University Langone Medical Center, Montefiore Medical Center, Bank of America Art Program, Pfizer Corporation, Citibank Art Advisory, Vicente Wolf Associates, and numerous museums and private collectors. Kenise Barnes, director Kenise@kbfa.com Lani Holloway, gallery manager Lani@kbfa.com B. Avery Syrig, sales and administrative assistance Avery@kbfa.com
1947 Palmer Avenue Larchmont, New York 10538 914 834 8077 Photo credit: Susan Fisher Photography
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