As part of her ongoing series Dancing with Gravity,artist Elena Von Kohn presents eight riveting new paintings for a show of the same title. Hosted at Gallery 33, located within the Georgian Hotel in Santa Monica, California, Von Kohn’s show “melds reality with fantasy” and “evokes deep emotions.” Von Kohn adds that this dichotomy between reality and the surreal is much like the gravitational dance between celestial bodies.
Sedona’s Window, oil on canvas, 36 x 48"
“Each piece, while unique in its narrative, orbits around the central theme of challenging perceptions and evoking strong reactions, be it admiration or controversy,” Von Kohn says. “The [series] is a reflection of the world’s current state, where reality often feels surreal. Drawing inspiration from the ever-shifting dynamics of our global society, I’ve delved deeper into the juxtaposition of reality and fantasy. While the series retains the essence of my signature surrealism, it pushes the boundaries.”
The Advantage of Courtship, oil on canvas, 63¼ x 106½"
Also central to Von Kohn’s work is the marriage of ethereal imagery with raw emotion. “My style, rooted in enigmatic surrealism, seeks to blur the lines between the tangible and the intangible,” says Von Kohn. “The layered brushstrokes, intricate details, and play of light and shadow are techniques I employ to [express] a sense of mystery and provoke thought.”
We see these elements come to life in works like The Age of Diversity, where we’re presented with two nude female figures seemingly mirroring each other’s stance. The background is awash with color, shadow and energetic mark-making. “This artwork is a contemplative piece on the modern quest for diversity,” Von Kohn shares. “It questions whether our perception of diversity aligns with the true essence of inclusivity.”
The Conformity Device, oil on canvas, 67 x 90"
Other bold works, like The Conformity Device, provide commentary on “societal norms and the pressure to fit into predefined molds, suggesting that we might be mere cogs in a vast machine,” Von Kohn explains. The scene involves three nude figures, not in high detail, intermingling in different ways with a mechanical device. The Advantage of Courtship, depicting a group of male figures running past two female figures, “delves into the dynamics of relationships, questioning the power play and balance in courtship,” adds Von Kohn.
The Age of Diversity, oil on canvas, 48 x 60"
For the show of new work, on display for one night on Saturday, November 4, from 5 to 8 p.m., Von Kohn hopes collectors perceive the depth and layers behind each piece, while also “recognizing the evolution in my style and the nuanced narratives.”
To attend, please RSVP to Kohn directly at info@elenavonkohn.com and find more details at www.elenavonkohn.com. —
Gallery 33 1415 Ocean Avenue • Santa Monica, CA 90401 • info@elenavonkohn.com • www.elenavonkohn.com
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