Celeste Maslovsky: Collective Presence

Celeste Maslovsky, Flora, 2022, Oil on canvas, 20 x 24 inches

Artist’s Statement:
This series of portraits and quilt squares emerged from collaborations between the artist and individual models. With varied ages, cultural backgrounds, genders, and constitutions, each model sparked a desire in the artist to look closer. Each person possesses an unambiguous sense of self, and Maslovsky aims to show their unique essence. Through careful observation and deliberate slowing, she focuses the viewer’s attention on the mettle of her eight subjects. For the corresponding hand-pieced quilt squares, Maslovsky selects a medley of fabrics that generate a pixilated color story of each painting. The eight-by-eight grid of squares symbolizes the intrinsic worth of each person. To complete her process, the artist considers the individual she has painted within the quiet and contemplative pace required while hand stitching. Maslovsky appreciates and celebrates each of the people represented in this exhibit, and thanks the exhibition viewers for their collaboration and presence.

Artist’s Bio
Celeste Maslovsky is a visual artist interested in painting the human spirit. Primarily working with oil paint, she aims to capture more than a person’s likeness. Maslovsky explores the essence of her subjects by painting from a place of emotional resonance. She deems a portrait a success if it can lead a viewer to a feeling of being seen themselves. Her style is representational with much attention given to the complexity of color. She has trained with The Art Students League of New York since 2020. Her influential instructors include Robin Smith, David Kassan, Dominique Medici, and Ricky Mujica. When Maslovsky is not painting, she enjoys reading, hiking in the Adirondacks, and traveling. Raised in California, Maslovsky resides in New Jersey. To learn more, visit celestemaslovsky.com.

Instagram: @celestethecolor