Irene Christensen’s art has been said to be about “painting as a magical act.” In April, you can see some of her artwork at Peter's Valley Craft Center in New Jersey.
4/1/2008 :: Christensen is guest artist resident at Peter's Valley Craft Center in April, when the Center celebrates and highlights the 50 artists who have taken part in their Guest Artist Residency program.
The Norwegian, New York based artist uses traditional oil techniques as well as mixed media on canvas or paper to create her paintings, and she also makes installations of box art and artist’s books. The artist herself calls her strong, colorful paintings her “translation of the spirits, humor and erotics of life.” She is involved in creating a personal iconography: “I transform simple forms into my mythology,” she says.
Christensen’s artwork has been exhibited in a range of countries; Norway, Belgium, Germany, USA, Brazil, Argentina and Israel. She has received many honorariums and awards both in Europe and USA.
In the words of Art Critic's John Zeaman: “Her images repeat and are transformed, as words and images in poems. She likes to maintain a sense of wonder in her art. That life is strange and quirky, and contradictory, that tragedy and comedy are not played out in separate theaters, but co-exist, side by side."
When: March 29 – April 27, opening reception Saturday March 29, 4-7pm.
Where: Peter's Valley Gallery, 19 Kuhn Road, Layton, NJ
Info: Call (973) 984-5200, or visit www.petersvalley.org