Hi!
After hearing so very much about KiptonArt.com , the emerging artist site founded by Kipton Cronkite, it was time to attend an opening to see one of his recent artists. "Empty Mind", a solo exhibit displaying the works of Yale grad and artist Carrie Elston, opened this past Wednesday evening. The opening was held at a converted church, a surprisingly clever space, comprised of an un-occupied triplex loft in Novare on Greenwich Village's West 4th Street.
Ms. Elston's works, a total of 28 paintings--a mixture of both large scale and smaller oil on canvas, appear as colorful and engaging on the surface. In actuality, the works were inspired by a rather dark subject--that being the artist's exploration of the concept of psychological instability. Conceptually, "Empty Mind" addresses chronic mental illness, as well as isolated moments of elation. Ms. Elston's work represents both internal turmoil as well as joy through abstract visceral images. A standout piece that certainly did well in representing the "Empty Mind" concept was Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (pictured above left)*** -- a large scale work filled with raw emotion.
Within the first hour of the exhibit's opening, a small painting entitled Small Spread No. 5**** that hung inconspicuously by the elevator of the upper floor was SOLD. Ms. Elston (pictured at left with a fan), was thrilled at the immediate sale. She shared her feelings on the transition of the pieces from studio to exhibit, commenting that "this is a culmination of 3 years of work, and to see it come together in a cohesive show is all the more important. For me, I can see my own internal emotional progression over the last 3 years which is invaluable."
Present that evening and circulating the exhibit's halls, were an eclectic mix of people ranging from People En Espanol's Editor in Chief, Peter Castro (pictured at left with Kipton Cronkite) to the HOT young designers of Izzy Gold . Many came to both view and support the exhibit, and Ms. Elston on this warm and rainy opening night. Attendees refreshed themselves with specialty Absinthe Minded, cocktails by Pernod--a drink well matched to the exhibit's theme.
Carrie Elston's "Empty Mind" runs October 24th through November 15th.
***-Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, oil on canvas, "66 X "72, 2006, retail value $3000.
****- Small Spread No. 5, oil on canvas "22 X "18, 2007, retail value $1200.
*photos by The Quest for "it"
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