Abstract

Our eight Art competition “Abstract” started in September 2024 and concluded on October 24, 2024. Art Room Gallery received entries from many countries around the world: Australia, India, Taiwan, USA, Switzerland, Philippines, Canada, Germany and Ireland. The Abstract theme in this competition included a diversity in types, styles and mediums (oil on canvas, acrylic, pastel, graphite, ink, digital painting, photography). The following evaluation criteria has been used for judging the artwork: creativity, interpretation of the theme, originality and quality of art, overall design, demonstration of artistic ability, and usage of medium. Jury decided to select 50 artworks for inclusion in the exhibition. Aside from First, Second, and Third place Jury also presented Merit awards and Honorable Mention awards.

Thank you, and enjoy the exhibition!

Statement:

Jason Shih was born in 1972 in Taiwan. In 1991, he began to specialize in metal sculpture when he was a sophomore in the Fine Arts Dept. of Taipei National University of the Arts. In 2001, he graduated from School for American Crafts, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA, and majored in Metal Sculpture. And then, he served as the metal sculptor Albert Paley's assistant, involved in crafts and public art work practices. Furthermore, he earned his Art Ph. D. from China Academy of Art, China (2015). Now, he lives in Taiwan, and consistently engages in the both areas of sculpture and public art. Jason Shih’s artistic vision is shaped by a diverse array of influences, from contemporary dance to avant-garde fashion. He cites German choreographer Pina Bausch and British designer Alexander McQueen as significant inspirations. Bausch’s explorations of time and space resonate with Shih’s interest in sculpture’s capacity to embody kinetic energy and spatial imagination. McQueen’s innovative approach to contemporary imagery and themes provides Shih with a broad canvas for creative expression. Shih’s work is also influenced by the aesthetic principles of Futurism and Constructivism, movements that emphasize dynamic energy and continuous motion. These influences are evident in his pursuit of capturing the beauty of movement and the elegant restraint of natural forces. Shih’s sculptures often depict moments of defying gravity, capturing the fleeting beauty of motion in a static form.

Statement:

Diane Leon- abstract and mixed media collage artist born in New York City Abstraction gives me the freedom to express my emotions and memories. Color and textures are my visual language. When I begin a painting/collage, I work with no preconceived idea. As paint and color build the work takes on a life of its own. It is finished only when it ‘feels’ right to me. It is an emotional rather than intellectual process. I prefer intimate size paper/canvas. It gives me the spontaneity to express how I feel in the moment. NYU, School of Professional Studies, adjunct associate professor of arts in the Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies.

Statement:

Aarti Gupta Bhadauria is a contemporary Indian sculptor specializing in the creation of sculptures using the terracotta medium. The essence of her sculptures lies in their rhythmic, abstract nature, reflecting waves of feelings and emotions in diverse forms. Characterized by their intricate details and thoughtful design, Aarti's sculptures invite viewers to explore multiple angles. Each perspective unveils a different image. Aarti's mastery lies in sculpting and contouring, creating pieces that captivate with their dynamic forms. Her work transcends the traditional categorization of pottery, as Aarti is recognized as an artist of Fine Art, specifically sculpture, working with the expressive medium of clay and terracotta. Aarti Gupta Bhadauria's dedication to her craft and her ability to transform clay into captivating sculptures underscore her status as a prominent artist in the realm of Fine Art. Her work not only engages with traditional techniques but also transcends them, creating a distinctive and evocative presence in the world of contemporary sculptural art. When we are emotional, we feel different waves inside us, I show the different forms of these waves through my sculptures. My sculptures are aerial and without any armature. I maintain my own style in terracotta, and it takes me three to six months to make one sculpture. I wanted to do something different in life, so I decided to choose my own destination, and started working with terracotta. Terracotta is one of the ancient mediums for art, I want to promote it world-wide with modern ideas and my style. When I work, I get lost in it and does not feel my physical existence. My work is my soul.