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Description
Artist Statement
Sometimes I look at objects and think that if they are really composed of energy, that my seeing them as objects must be an illusion. From this “quantum” viewpoint objects seem to be abstract creations and really special.
My new still life work is part of a series called “Reflections.” Upon looking at my paintings, it is helpful for the viewer to disassociate himself or herself from preconceived prejudices of objects and view each painting as a fantasy environment of shapes and light, and of course reflections. The challenge is to view realistically painted objects in this free form or abstract manner. Also, any narrative theme thought to be part of the subject matter is welcome, but not necessarily intended by me. The paintings are like a Rorschach test, the viewer will interpret whatever reality that they wish to experience in the paintings.
The use of mirrors helps dissolve surfaces or planes and create a more complex dimensional space. The metallic surfaces, whether curved or straight, provide more concrete distortion effects. There is also the element of the intrigue of shiny metal surfaces.
I conceive of fabric as a connective sheath in space time, or as a veil between worlds. Fabric has its own reflective qualities. It is a malleable surface for ephemeral expression.
The geometric shapes in my work are everyday objects. These shapes are building blocks in space. There is also beauty to geometric objects when thought of as the basic components of matter.
Sometimes I think of hanging objects like circular mirrors, metal spheres and blown glass spheres as living orbs of light. They have spiritual aspects and are free of gravity. Hanging ribbons are dramatic devices to draw the viewers line of sight to the foreground objects. An occasional floating fish or a sphere can induce dissonance and intrigue in the viewer.
The various poses of the wooden marionette or other mannequins represents the depersonalization of modern man in relation to the natural world.
I also use biomorphic shapes that are generally taken out of their natural context. They represent anchors to the natural world.
I began painting a new series of figure paintings to fully consider how to human form fits into my artistic vision. These paintings can be seen as Imaginary Realism in style and spiritually inspired.The figure is seen in new galactic worlds., with plastic draped foregrounds, replete with a few enticing objects, such as coke cans, orb balls, maybe a painted skull, etc. This ever-present plastic is hauntingly beautiful as well as a reminder of our troubled environment.
These figures may be portraits of time travelers. I seek to engage the viewer to perhaps imagine
themselves as the figure in the painting. It dwarfs the ego to imagine universal space.
Artist Biography
She graduated from Carnegie-Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA., with a BFA in fine arts painting and sculpture, and additionally studied illustration Concepts at Parsons School of Design, NYC, and also art history and criticism at Columbia University, NYC. She spent one year painting the figure at The Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia, Pa.
She professionally worked as an illustrator in NYC and Pittsburgh, PA, and transitioned into painting residential and commercial murals with her company, Universal Murals in Pittsburgh, PA for 12 years. Her company also created advertising art. Her online CV lists the highlights from this busy period. In 2002 she was able to once again resume an exclusive focus on fine arts painting. She then started a website Art Addict Prints, to sell online Giclee Prints of her paintings.
It is important to understand her development from realist painting as a child to abstract painting in college, then back to painting Contemporary Realism as a mature artist. This developmental process distilled her thinking and focus on bringing abstract thinking to her Reflections Series of still life painting.
Karen was represented by the GoForth-Rittenhouse Gallery, Philadelphia, PA and the Steve Mendelson Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA. She has also been represented by Manhattan Arts, NYC and The Art of Gallery, Lenox, MA. She is a member of IGOR, The International Guild of Realism and AAPL, The American Artists Professional League, NYC.
She shows her work internationally through online contests, and has been the recipient of a number of awards. Please check her CV at www.karenbognarkhanpaintings.com