Veni, Vidi, Sgraffiti, mixed media painter Helene Mukhtar’s solo exhibition opens at 440 Gallery in Brooklyn October 16, 2008

Opening reception, Thursday, October 16, from 6PM to 8PM.
Veni, Vidi, Sgraffiti, Helene Mukhtar’s new series of mixed media paintings are based on photographs of graffiti and mural paintings she took in New York, Paris and Berlin.

The work of this New York artist reflects the uncertainty and unease permeating our societies today. In this latest series, she uses the “emotional outbursts covering the walls of our cities” as a starting point for her creative exploration.

Printed on paper and collaged onto the canvas, these photographs are integrated into a painting, overlaid with oil or acrylic paint. The result: compelling, sometimes humorous, always visually pleasing and complex images, enriched with bright, muscular colors. Her energy and dynamic personality are reflected in her work and in titles such as, Blow up, Burst, Mine field and Triumphant Trumpets.

The collage elements are like a puzzle, says Mukhtar about her work process, it is up to me to integrate them into a harmonious visual statement. I proceed through trial and error. It becomes an obsession and I do not stop until I have achieved my goal.

Helene Mukhtar received her MFA from Florida State University. Her work has been exhibited extensively throughout the United States and France . Recent exhibitions include the Agora Gallery, Icosahedron Gallery and Art Gotham in New York City and Galerie ArtSud in Toulouse, France.

To preview Helene Mukhtar’s work, visit the 440 Gallery website at www.440gallery.com or the artist’s website at www.helenemukhtar.com.

Official Website: http://www.440gallery.com