Maria Ignelzi

My work is about striking a balance between total abstraction and realism. Regarding realism, I employ the human form, particularly the female portrait, as a means of expressing, exploring and understanding human emotion. In contrast to that, I a...

My work is about striking a balance between total abstraction and realism. Regarding realism, I employ the human form, particularly the female portrait, as a means of expressing, exploring and understanding human emotion. In contrast to that, I also paint abstractly which helps me embrace the subconscious, intuitive aspects of art making. Using color, composition and concept, these elements of abstraction and realism come together to create something new; inventing immaterial spaces for my subject to live in, in an effort to capture her personal spirit, and understand more about our human condition. ​ In the world of contemporary art, I believe there is a gaping chasm between wild originality and heavy conceptualism, and singleminded focus on technical, traditional skill. In my own work, I hope to bridge that gap. ​ My mediums include oil paint and mixed media.