Embrace The Zen At April Hamptons-Based Art Exhibition

Looking to take a step back and find a little balance? The White Room Gallery’s latest exhibition is offering a serene scene.

“Our intent in the concept was to witness Zen through Art. Four diverse female artists depict their own unique state of calm,” Andrea McCafferty and Kat O’Neill, Co-Owners/Co-Directors, explained.

Zen & The Art of Women, featuring Oz Van Rosen, Nella Lush, Adele Venter, and Joanne Handler, will be on view Thursday, April 4 through Sunday, April 21.

“Whether by the use of color, pattern, texture or subject each portrays Zen in an effortless manner by intuition and/or conscious effort,” the duo noted.

Van Rosen describes her work as “Abstract Techspressionism,” and current pieces embody the Glitch art movement – which is categorized as “randomly corrupting, bending and destroying data in an image to create an unpredictable aesthetic.” Her photography utilizes deeply saturated hues that through underlying technology almost appear as to have been created by a paintbrush, resulting in an abstract appearance.

Venter’s medium of choice is also photography, incorporating three-dimensional minuscule items to enhance narrative landscapes. “Combining the two styles I have created landscapes where narratives unfold upon contemplation. People and patterns that they form in social and private places interplay with the backdrops in which these interactions take place. People form circles in their private environment, closed circles outside of circles. In public spaces they become aware of the space that they need between each other,” she noted. “The landscapes are rich in colour and pattern but are flat in design. The people remain three dimensional and form part of the landscape but remain removed and slightly detached from the world they inhabit. Atmosphere and lighting are created in the studio generating the shadows that connect people with their environment.”

Lush’s paintings are often part of a series, mainly created utilizing oils and cold wax, which are sometimes highlighted by marble dust and pumice to offer additional texture and depth. The Italy native, who is now based in Boston, is extremely active in the art communities and also volunteers for several organizations. She was the President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Women Artists, NYC, for two terms, is a board member of the Rockport Art Association and Museum and founded the Experimental Group of RAA.

Handler’s abstract paintings boast bold colors documented in energetic, gestural brushstrokes. Her work both embraces the chaos and strives “to create images that reflect the exhilaration and unbridled energy with which she moves through life.”

“Abstract meets figurative,” McCafferty and O’Neill added. “Oils. Glitch. Narrative. Vibrant to muted hues. After curating for countless hours it culminated in the celebration of the female spirit. Throw in much needed vino and we were in the Zen. Namaste.”

The Zen & The Art of Women opening reception will take place on Saturday, April 6 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The White Room Gallery is located at 2415 Main Street in Bridgehampton. For more information, visit www.thewhiteroom.gallery.