Art Vine's Bella Sera Event

Art Vine is a unique art space that also specializes in fine wines.  The clean lines of the gallery the work of two contemporary artists for tonight's Bella Sera event:  Steven Harlan of the United States and Frank van Eck of The Netherlands.  At first blush the two styles appear disconnected, but upon further examination they both share a sense of tranquility and the eerie comfort of solitude.

Harlan’s work stands out for its seeming perfection. These digitally created giclées are created by spraying “archival dyes” onto high quality canvas or paper.  Harlan’s museum quality creations are similar to lithos or serigraphs, which are then layered with a protective coat of varnish prior to being stretched and mounted onto a wooden frame. Each is numbered and signed by the artist.   

Open architectural spaces of  hideaway homes, backdropped by water scenes, feature perfection in architectural composition and light.  Polished floors and undisturbed waters are set in the light of dusk.  Their beauty is flawless; and then the feeling of solitude overwhelms.  One is reminded of René

Magritte’s The Empire of Lights.  

Infinity (120x90cm) (below) http://www.harlaneditions.com/galleries/albums/watersedge/infinity.jpg

features a seemingly endless hallway which ends with a scene of inviting still blue waters and a layer of clouds above.  Looking closely at the cloud mass, there appears a hidden profile of a face blowing toward the water.   The play of shadow and light and the reflections of color from the outside world, are reminders that the interior is empty.  The viewer is the only one present to witness this striking scene. The temptation to walk down the hallway and breath in the salty sea air is halted only by the reminder that this is a canvas hanging on a gallery wall. 

 Midnight stands out for its stillness and use of color and shadow.  One wonders, who is on the boat?  how long has it been there?  and where is the viewer?   With no sign of wind or wave, could this be the calm before the storm, or simply a  momentary representation of the sleepy siren's lull?  Interested in Steve Harlan's work?  It can be found here.  

The second artist featured is Frank van Eck.  These select abstract glass paint on board works seem to be, at first, chaotic.  A splattering of foreground colors on an almost solid background are reminiscent of Jackson Pollock's frenzied paint tossing - but with an ordered purpose.  Van Eck's work includes harmonious blend of contrasting colors and then purposeful swirls emerge.  Naamloos #7 (100x70) (or, Untitled) contains a calm sea foam green background to black, red and white glass paint splatters in three distinctive layers.  This medium produces  a glossy texture on the canvas which is aesthetically pleasing.  Van Eck's creative energy emerges as bold and exhilarating.  His mixture of line, form and color  appear to be manifestations of thought as energy.  (Apologies - could not upload a photo of this painting, so please click on the link to view it.)  Interested in Frank van Eck's work?  It can be found here.  

Van Eck and Harlan's canvases at Art Vine are not representative of their entire body of work. However, a connection can be made between those featured.  Both artists have used color and light to draw the viewer in.  Both invite the viewer to look long and imagine beyond the canvas, and both use a distinctive technique in their choice of mediums. 

This fine selection of art, placed in a simple gallery on The Keizersgraacht in Amsterdam were accompanied by a stellar techno-DJ and a lively selection of drinks at the makeshift bar in the back.  

For more information about Art Vine, check out their website.  

Here are some Interior shots of Art Vine....