Amsterdam Whitney June - July 2009 Group Exhibition    Jun 5 - Jul 7, 2009

AMSTERDAM WHITNEY GALLERY continues to present the innovative art of the contemporary master of photomontage S.M. LEWIS.

BEYOND MOONDUST & STARDUST explores artwork with foundations from previously established artistic movements which have evolved into three unique styles sharing traits of refreshing innovativeness and exciting vigor. With richly expressive colors, emotive brushstrokes and a variety of techniques, J.B. DULE’s art springs to life and evolves organically, each image having a life and spirit of its own as all parts of the creation process appear in exquisite harmony. SONJA OLSON’s art showcases realistic images of everyday objects of the world around us, each work having a distinctly modern aesthetic of clean lines and vivid colors that charms the viewer while simultaneously stimulating inquiry into the nature of modern life. Inspired by Expressionism, GUY WILKINS captures the essence of a scene with spontaneity, dynamism and whimsy via exuberant colors and brushstrokes, thus allowing the viewer to break free of limitations and preconceptions and see the world reflected through pure emotion.

MAGICAL MOONLIGHT MEDITATIONS showcases illuminations which reveal intense spiritual magnetism and inspire personal introspection and intercommunication simultaneously via depictions which are highly personally yet concurrently thoroughly universal. AMY COHEN BANKER encourages the viewer to examine the underlying connections between all art forms via her deeply emotional abstract works which with the use of powerful colors and active brushstrokes evoke the passions of the soul. NATHAN RICE’s dynamic artwork radiates metaphysical energy as the illustrations come together in a billowing accumulation, as though moved by unseen weather conditions -- thus serving as a channel in order to communicate on spiritual forces not discernable to the naked eye. Painting in ethereal jewel tones, LISA STRASSHEIM explores meditations and the unpredictability of nature, conveying the ever-present forces of change with exuberant brushstrokes that seem to morph into veins and currents, exuding vivacity and strength.

DREAMSCAPES of FANTASIA highlights illustrious artworks which pay tribute to the grand and simple glories found within nature, therefore bequeathing the audience with aesthetically sublime reminders to treasure and protect its purity and grace. ELAINE “ANGEL” GOMER’s still life paintings depict familiar subject matter, such as succulent cherries and lustrous objets d’art, in a sumptuous manner - imploring the spectator to reflect on the splendor around them, ushering sensations of bliss and spiritual nourishment. DAVID LaBELLA’s photography captures the timeless magnificence of the epic landscapes of the United States’ national parks with a sophisticated eye for composition and interest in texture which defines his work, thus conveying a singular vision that makes his images unmistakably unique. RALPH VOGLER masterfully captures the resplendence of nature, infusing each landscape painting with an individual spirit and energy - luring the viewer’s eye with the loveliness of the vistas he creates, yet with the peacefulness exuded, ultimately captivating the soul.

GATEWAY to ENCHANTED REVERIES celebrates artwork which challenges the boundaries of reality and explores inventive methods in which to express the imagination, psyche and even the supernatural in aesthetically alluring styles. PHILIP CATANIA paints dynamic fantasy artwork, stemming from a personal spiritual source, his fluid forms meld into one another as though in a continuous metamorphosis, resulting in aesthetically delightful images which sparks the imagination as well as creative contemplation. Using a variety of materials, such as fumagine and acrylic, FRANS FRENGEN illustrates whimsical subject matter punctuated by comedy and mystery which challenges perceptions of the world, exploring the relationship between the material environment and the dreamscape of the imagination. IGNACIO MONTANO, inspired by the idea of space travel and extraterrestrial activity, paints in an entirely imaginative and innovative style which transports the viewer to another dimension in order to marvel at the magic of the celestial and wonder of a world which is yet to come.