Stories Embedded in Abstract Landscapes: Paintings by Alaleh Ostad

Exhibition Details

Location: Agora Gallery, 530 West 25th Street, New York, NYDates: September 26 – October 17, 2017Opening Reception: Thursday, September 28, 2017, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMGallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PMEvent URL: Agora Gallery - Alaleh Ostad

The Evolution of Alaleh Ostad's Art

Alaleh Ostad's artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of nature's beauty. Initially known for her watercolor landscapes, Ostad's work took a significant turn when an art historian friend encouraged her to explore abstraction. This shift allowed her to "paint my feelings and not my thinking," as she describes it.

From Realism to Abstraction

While Ostad often begins with a photograph of a location that resonates with her, her goal is not mere replication. Instead, she aims to convey the essence and emotional connection she feels with the landscape. This approach results in images that are both evocative and deeply personal.

Techniques and Influences

Working primarily in oil on canvas, Ostad's background in sculpture plays a crucial role in her paintings. Her sculptural skills enable her to infuse a three-dimensional quality and dynamic texture into her work. Additionally, being the daughter of a prominent calligrapher, she incorporates the fluid lines and precise meanings of calligraphy into her art, adding layers of clarity and openness that draw viewers in.

Featured Artists in "Pathways"

The "Pathways" exhibition is a group show that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. It features the works of twelve diverse artists, each bringing their unique perspective and medium to the table. The exhibition includes:

• Enrico Ambrosio
• Lorena Becerra
• Anita Birkenfeld
• Rody
• Hanneke Kempers
• Nancy McLean
• Iva Milanova
• Frédérique Négrié
• Alaleh Ostad
• Elke Riedel
• Svetlana Sintseva
• Bekir Smolski

About the Exhibition

"Pathways" is a dynamic collection that explores the intersection of the everyday and the ethereal. The exhibition showcases a variety of media, including paintings, sculpture, digital compositions, photography, and multimedia collages. This diverse array of works invites viewers to navigate the blurred boundaries between reality and fantasy.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Art Market Growth: The global art market was valued at approximately $64.1 billion in 2019, with contemporary art making up a significant portion of this market (source: Statista).
• Abstract Art Popularity: Abstract art remains one of the most popular genres, with a significant presence in both private collections and public exhibitions. According to Art Basel and UBS's 2020 report, abstract art accounted for 22% of all contemporary art sales (source: Art Basel and UBS).
• Women in Art: Female artists like Alaleh Ostad are gaining more recognition in the art world. A 2019 study by Artnet found that works by female artists accounted for just 2% of the global art market, highlighting the importance of exhibitions that feature and promote women artists (source: Artnet).

Conclusion

Alaleh Ostad's abstract landscapes offer a unique and emotive perspective on nature's beauty. Her work, featured in the "Pathways" exhibition at Agora Gallery, invites viewers to explore the depths of their own emotions and connections to the natural world. Don't miss the opportunity to experience these thought-provoking artworks and meet the artist herself.

For more information on the exhibition and to view Alaleh Ostad's work, visit the Agora Gallery website.