Stephanie E. Graham Transforms Beeswax, Vellum, and Embroidery into Stunning Art

A Closer Look at Stephanie E. Graham's Artistry

Exhibition Details

• Location: Agora Gallery, 530 West 25th St, Chelsea, New York
• Dates: April 1, 2017 – April 21, 2017
• Opening Reception: April 6, 2017, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
• Event URL: Agora Gallery - Stephanie E. Graham

The Intricacies of Graham's Work

From afar, Stephanie E. Graham's pieces might seem like simple abstract still lifes. However, a closer examination reveals a rich tapestry of layers, textures, and meanings. Utilizing materials such as beeswax sheets, old books, vellum, ink, and embroidery, Graham meticulously crafts artworks that she considers self-portraits. These pieces reflect her fascination with various places and objects, transforming them into curated collections that evoke a sense of value and mystery.

Common Motifs in Graham's Art

• Bees: Symbolizing community and productivity.
• Maps: Representing exploration and discovery.
• Flowers: Emblematic of beauty and transience.
• Hexagonal Shapes: Often associated with bees and their hives, symbolizing structure and harmony.

Background and Inspiration

Graham hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is an alumna of the School of Art at the University of Manitoba. She hopes that the time and effort she invests in her unique creations will inspire viewers to pause and appreciate the ordinary objects in their lives.

Contemporary Perspectives: The New Art History

About the Exhibition

Agora Gallery's "Contemporary Perspectives" is a collective exhibition that explores the ongoing dialogue between past and present. The exhibition features a select group of artists who reinterpret classic themes with a modern twist. Their works echo art history while pushing boundaries to create something entirely new.

Featured Artists

• Lauralee Franco
• Fariba Baghi
• Craig Frankowski
• Stephanie E. Graham
• Gail Comes
• Bobbie See

Artistic Approaches

• Oil Painters:

  • One artist presents romantic landscapes as stylized patterns.
  • Another offers hyperrealistic florals on irregular canvases.
  • A third artist paints vibrant, animated portraits of women of color, a historically underrepresented group.

• Acrylic Painters:

  • One creates dramatic, imaginary forests.
  • Another places realistic figures in abstract, foggy landscapes.

• Mixed-Media Artist:

  • This artist uses ink and other materials to craft meticulous botanicals, reminiscent of both scientific catalogues and 19th-century watercolor works.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Beeswax in Art: Beeswax has been used in art for centuries, dating back to ancient Egyptian mummy portraits. Its durability and unique texture make it a favored medium for contemporary artists like Graham (source).
• 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 sales (source).
• Women in Art: Despite making up 51% of visual artists, women only account for 13.7% of artists represented in galleries in Europe and North America (source).

Stephanie E. Graham's work, with its intricate layers and thoughtful motifs, is a testament to the power of art to transform the mundane into the extraordinary. Her participation in "Contemporary Perspectives" at Agora Gallery highlights the innovative ways artists are bridging the gap between historical influences and modern creativity.