Kathleen Messmer: Exploring the Depths of Abstract Photography

May 17
18:09

2024

Maria Stella

Maria Stella

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Kathleen Messmer's abstract expressionist photography is set to captivate audiences at Chelsea’s Agora Gallery in New York. The exhibition, "Illumination: An Exhibition of Fine Art Photography," will run from November 8 to November 30, 2016, with an opening reception on November 10 from 6-8 PM. Messmer's work transforms recognizable objects into emotive compositions of light, color, and form, drawing inspiration from iconic artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Georgia O’Keeffe.

Exhibition Details

Location: Agora Gallery,Kathleen Messmer: Exploring the Depths of Abstract Photography Articles 530 West 25th St, Chelsea, New YorkDates: November 8, 2016 – November 30, 2016Opening Reception: Thursday, November 10, 2016, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PMGallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PMEvent URL: Agora Gallery - Kathleen Messmer

Kathleen Messmer's Artistic Vision

Kathleen Messmer, an American artist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, delves into the abstract through her fine art photography. Her work is characterized by the interplay of gesture, lines, shadows, and textures, creating pieces that evoke deep emotional responses. Messmer's photography often transforms everyday objects into fantastical compositions, rich with flow, light, boldness, and color.

Inspirations and Themes

Messmer draws inspiration from renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Imogene Cunningham, Karl Blossfeldt, and Georgia O’Keeffe. Much like O’Keeffe, Messmer focuses on the intricate details and mysteries found within flowers. She states, "Botanical abstracts offer a beautiful, voluptuous symphony of the lines and color I look for most. Sometimes I get serenity; other times I get riotous movement, bold statements, and power. They fascinate me with their presence. I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Featured Artists in "Illumination"

The exhibition will feature works from eight contemporary photographers, each bringing a unique perspective to the medium:

  • Cynthia Chace Gray
  • Florian Mueller
  • Iryna Brown
  • Bree Castillau
  • Mary Pearson
  • Kathleen Messmer
  • Steven Anggrek
  • Antonio Biagiotti

About the Exhibition

"Illumination: An Exhibition of Fine Art Photography" showcases the innovative approaches of modern photographers. The exhibition includes:

  • Landscape Photography: Horizons filtered through atmospheric layers, detailed otherworldly plains, and cityscapes framed as endless patterns.
  • Animal Photography: Psychological portraits through naturalistic works.
  • Still Life Compositions: Classical realism subverted for unique narrative aims.
  • Abstract Photography: Technical prowess and historical knowledge to create photographs of pure light and pattern.

Interesting Stats

  • Photography Market Growth: The global photography market is expected to grow from $36.42 billion in 2020 to $44.07 billion in 2025 at a CAGR of 3.9% (Source).
  • Art Gallery Attendance: In 2019, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York had over 6.5 million visitors, highlighting the public's interest in art exhibitions (Source).

Conclusion

Kathleen Messmer's work in "Illumination: An Exhibition of Fine Art Photography" promises to be a profound exploration of abstract expressionism. Her ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary, combined with the diverse talents of her fellow exhibitors, makes this a must-see event for art enthusiasts.

For more information, visit the Agora Gallery website.