"Outdoors" by Vikram Dayal

Vikram Dayal strongly believes that art must evoke an emotional response—especially laughter. Vikram’s art, much like his other works, explores the humorous aspects of life—quite often through satire. In his words:

“If my painting has evoked some response, be it ridicule, anger or outrage, I am flattered. If you see the humor that I see, I am thrilled! The only way of insulting my art is by ignoring it. Laugh at it, ridicule it, curse it, burn it, throw it, just please don’t ignore it!”

An artist with an unconventional style, Vikram likes to express his perspective via oils, acrylics and charcoal—sometimes all in the same painting. His art is satirical, insightful and multi-layered. He draws his inspiration from Salvador Dali, MF Hussein and other early proponents of Progressive Indian Art, though his themes are light-hearted and provide a unique perspective on the world.

Vikram is a graduate of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur and has won numerous awards in Theater & Art. His works are in private collections as well as exhibited in India and the US. This year, Mr. Dayal is the only Indian artist being exhibited at Artexpo.

Visit him at Booth#1021!

Today’s Artwork of the Day is “I’ll Think About It,” a 24″ x 24″ acrylic on canvas by Artexpo New York 2012 exhibitor Ilene Richard. Ilene has been drawing and painting “fun little characters” for as long as she can remember. And after being introduced to children’s book illustration at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, she knew that was going to be the basis for her career.

Ilene has since worked on many children’s books with most of America’s biggest publishing houses. Additional training at the DeCordova Museum School and the Museum School in Boston helped her on her parallel path as a fine artist. A couple dancing; a group of strangers standing next to each other in a crowded room — these are the seemingly undramatic moments that Ilene brings vividly to life with electric colors, fanciful stylization and a resonant emotional connection between her subjects:

Working as a children’s book illustrator and painter, it is important to me to create a narrative quality to my work, and draw the viewer more easily into my world.

Ilene Richard's booth at Miami SOLO 2011

Ilene Richard has exhibited her paintings throughout New England, as well as in Artexpo’s Miami [SOLO] show, while her illustration appears in books by Random House, McGraw Hill, Oxford University Press, Scholastic and other publishers. Now, as a Charter Member of Artexpo Studio, Ilene is offering museum-quality giclees of her originals at www.artexpostudio.com/ilene-richard.

We’re quite pleased that Ilene is coming to Artexpo New York 2012, where her stylish, infectiously fun paintings will be at Pier 92 from March 22-25! For now, find her online at www.artexpostudio.com/ilene-richard and www.ilenerichard.com

"Untitled" by Randy Scott Slavin

We’re pleased to announce that award-winning New York filmmaker and photographer Randy Scott Slavin will present his surrealist photo works from March 22- 25 at Artexpo New York at booth #1147. Slavin is widely known for his powerful music videos and branded productions, which mash up clever concepts with bold imagery and channel the energy of pop culture.

“In my music videos, I’ve continually tried to take concepts to the next level, to push the ideas to be more engaging, moving and stimulating—and I approach photography with the same philosophy. When I began shooting landscapes, I was compelled to push the perspective. After experimenting heavily with panoramic photography, I developed a technique that could realize my desire to turn the real into the surreal. The result is something rebellious, beautiful and provocative. My ‘Alternative Perspectives’ series is a collection of the works culled from these photographic explorations.”

Slavin is a much sought-after director, pumping out a steady stream of hot content for brands including MTV, American Express, Bank of America, Frito Lay, Universal Records, Atlantic Records, Myspace and Island/Def Jam Records. He is the recipient of the South by Southwest Special Jury Award, The Hollyshorts Film Festival Best Music Video Award, and Coney Island Film Festival Best Video Award, to name a few, including millions of YouTube hits. For more information on Randy Scott Slavin, visit www.randyscottslavin.com.

"Water" by Miriam Hinds

Today’s Artwork of the Day is an aluminum/bronze/wood sculpture titled “Water” by Artexpo New York 2012 exhibitor Miriam Hinds.

Miriam’s artwork explores surfaces, lights and shadows with contemporary elegance. She favors complex, abstract forms, which she infuses with energy and intrigue.

Born In São Paulo, Brazil, Miriam obtained a degree in Advertising and Marketing at Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing. Even as she studied marketing, however, her deep passion for artwork was always present. In 1980, she embarked upon her career in artwork in earnest at the Millenarian Art Ceramic. She worked and studied with different artists, developing a variety of techniques in ceramics: molding, raku, glazes,etc.

After some time, “the need of experimenting with different materials” led her to explore the mediums of bronze, iron, aluminum, resin and wood. Today, these are the materials she works with, predominently.

Miriam has participated in many exhibitions throughout Brazil, Chile, New York City, Berlin, Paris, Washington DC, and other locations. We look forward to hosting her at Artexpo New York 2012, slated for March 22-25 at Pier 92 on the Hudson River. See you there, Miriam!

The process of packing, and shipping fine art is in itself an art, requiring both artistic sensitivity and historical consciousness.

Artexpo New York sponsor La Rosa Del Monte offers comprehensive and thorough services in the relocating of fine arts and antiquities. Skilled in the unique aspects of handling fine art, LRDM specializes in packing, crating, transport and storage.

Our commitment to the fine art community is to handle the art entrusted to our care with an appreciation, respect, and understanding of its value. Experience and knowledge is required in every phase of a fine art relocation including the proper materials chosen, to which we adhere to worldwide standards as well as country specific standards.

Services Include:

• Packing & Crating – Specialized in the handling, packing, and transport of works of art, and antiquities for museums, galleries, and dealers, corporate and private collections.
• Worldwide Transportation – Experts in transportation (Air – Ocean – Surface), Customs Clearance, temporary country admission, secure storage, and re-exportation of Fine Arts.
• Comprehensive Insurance Coverage – International network of insurance carriers dedicated to providing coverage and risk management strategies for fine art.

With more than 40 years of experience in the International Moving industry, backed by a dedicated team of bilingual customer service-oriented office staff, experienced packing crews, self owned warehouses and fleet of vehicles, LRDM is an expert in:

• Fine Art Handling
• International & Domestic Relocation of Household Goods & Vehicles
• Full Origin & Destination Services – USA & Caribbean
• Commercial, GSA, Military Relocations
• Machinery Movers & Rigging
• Hotel Furniture & Fixture Installers
• Storage & Crating Service
• Worldwide Coverage with Fine Arts Certified and Qualified Agents

For more information, visit www.larosadelmonte.com

"The Innocent Gaze" by Xu Jie

Today’s Artwork of the Day is “The Innocent Gaze” by Xu Jie, a Chinese artist who will be exhibiting with the Chinese Cultural Promotional Society at Artexpo New York 2011.

For the second consecutive year, the Chinese Cultural Promotional Society (CCPS) will feature some of China’s most celebrated artists at Artexpo. This March, the CCPS will present 25-30 top Chinese artists, many from the avant-garde Beijing 798 Art District and the Song Zhuang Art District, as well as from Shanghai and Shandong.

The MENTAIGNE GALLERY from Shanghai will spotlight nationally acclaimed Xu Jie (work featured above). Born in Shanghai and graduated from the Art Institute of Shanghai University in 1991 with a major in oil painting, she has participated in exhibitions held in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Venice and Japan. Reflecting originality and unique skill, her works have been appreciated by collectors all over the world, especially in Europe and east Asia. Xu Jie’s paintings can be found in corporations, homes, and art galleries in over 30 countries.

In Xu Jie’s “Chinese Boys and Girls” series of oil paintings, she puts the gaze of her subjects squarely on the viewer. Beady eyes peer at you, turning the act of observation on its head. One cannot help but become the subject of their scrutiny and wonder, “What is it they see?”

In a telling recount of her childhood, she refers to the boys she played with as “wild children,” and how their carefree disregard for the sun “turned our fair skin to a shade of tan and our cheeks to tomato red.” To her, those years were “a perfect dream” and she relives them on the easel in lovingly layered strokes of richly toned oil paint in the colors of her memories.

The multiplicity of children in her oeuvre is elucidated by the artist’s confession of being afraid of loneliness, both for herself and her only son. The unfulfilled desire to have a large family might explain why few of her subjects stand alone. In this light, the faces seem to take on a look of quiet longing.

According to Gu Wencan, Vice President of the CCPS Arts & Exhibition Committee, Artexpo New York provides an ideal venue for showcasing China’s finest artists:

“As such, this is the perfect show for introducing our top Chinese artists to the international art market. In addition to bringing more artists from China to the U.S., we hope to host Artexpo in China in 2012. When that happens, the show will break all previous records for attendance and art sales!”

Here’s to a 2012 Artexpo in China, and here’s to another successful CCPS exhibition this March at Artexpo New York!

"Before Things Go Cold" by Tim Gagnon, winner of the Artexpo Artist Challenge

Thanks to all who entered their work in the Artexpo Artist Challenge—and particularly, our Top 10 Finalists! We received many outstanding pieces by nearly 800 talented artists and really enjoyed seeing such an outpouring of so many creative works.

Out of 766 total submissions, Tim Gagnon’s painting “Before Things Go Cold” (24 x 36, acrylic on canvas) has been chosen by the Artexpo Jury as the grand prize winner of the Artexpo Artist Challenge! After weeks of public voting, “Before Things Go Cold” received 1,996 votes from the general public, sending it into our Top 10 Finalists last week.

Here’s a sampling of some of the comments voters made on Tim’s painting:

“My vote is with you. Stunning piece!”

“You’ve inspired me to keep painting. Lots of luck!”

“Tim you are the best artist and the best teacher… I learned a lot from you… I’ll vote for you for sure!”

“Tim, you are so creative and I love your work. I hope you win, you deserve it!”

“This is a beautiful piece! I’m not familiar with your work but looking at this one, I can imagine what your other pieces look like ”

The Prize

As the winner of the Artexpo Artist Challenge, Tim will be given the opportunity to exhibit 3 pieces of his original artwork on an elegant, 50 square-foot wall space (a $2,000 value) in our shared [SOLO] Gallery for independent artists at Artexpo New York 2011.

He’ll also receive:

Artexpo Artist Challenge winner Tim Gagnon in his studio.

About Tim

Tim Gagnon was born in Northern Maine and took an interest in painting at an early age. He says:

“Most of the time I drew animals or cartoons. I found that drawing was a good way to express emotions, or to vent in a non-verbal way.”

Growing up, Tim spent a great deal of time drawing and painting, and went on to enter and win art contests. As a college student, he enrolled in the University of Maine at Presque Isle, but left in favor of working for a tax software company. A year later, he went back to school, this time majoring in art and studying under Anderson Giles. After obtaining his BFA, he decided to quit his job in the tax software industry and began to paint full time.

Today, he is a full-time artist and couldn’t be happier.

“My style is defined by my mood. I can paint flowing clean landscapes… or, I may paint thick, slashed paintings that have emotion and energy. I enjoy painting things that have meaning, or energy. I am always thinking when I’m painting. I don’t try to reproduce images as they are filtered through our eyes, but how I envision them in my mind.”

Congrats once again, Tim. We’re looking forward to seeing your work in New York!

For those interested in seeing more of Tim’s work, here’s his website: www.timgagnonstudio.com

Thanks to all who entered, and stay tuned: we hope to host another Artexpo Artist Challenge in the near future…

…and the results are in! Thanks to all who participated in Artexpo New York’s “Artist Challenge” contest! We received hundreds of outstanding submissions and truly enjoyed seeing the diverse range of talent you all have to offer.

Thanks, also, to all you voters who pitched in and cast your votes! Your online ballots have determined our Top 10 Finalists, from which the Artexpo Jury will now choose one winner. Without further adieu, here are the Top 10 Finalists, determined entirely by your public votes:

Olga Gouskova
Incognito II
Votes: 4520

Betty Leonor
Breakfast in Venice
Votes: 4486

Erica Kavanagh
Dancers
Votes: 3170

Maria Elena (Manena) Elvira
Apple Around the World
Votes: 3050

Fulgen Sabatier
Abundancia (Abundance)
Votes: 2467

Tom Fleming
Spirit & Life
Votes: 2293

Glamaris Gonzalez
W-hole?hearted
Votes: 2114

Lala Holt
Esther Hanuka
Votes: 2086

Tim Gagnon
Before Things Go Cold
Votes: 1996

Martynas Ivinskas
View
Votes: 1921

The Artexpo Jury will review these finalists over the next few days, and we’ll announce the grand prize winner on or before November 15. Best of luck to our finalists, and thanks once again to all who participated, whether by submitting art or voting!

Our team had such a fantastic time with this contest, we’re strongly considering running another in the months to come. If you have any feedback to offer, feel free to leave a comment below. What did you like about this contest? What would you do differently? At Artexpo, our mission is to help artists gain exposure for their work — we’re always open to your suggestions as we move forward with new ways to help new artists with their careers.

Interested in growing your business and expanding your knowledge base? For more than 30 years, Artexpo New York has offered the finest education seminars for artists, galleries and trade professionals—entirely free of charge. As we gear up for our 2011 Artexpo Education Series, we’re excited to welcome both new and returning speakers, who will deliver expert perspectives on a wide range of timely topics, including:

Litsa Spanos, President of Art Design Consultants, Inc.

Lisa’s award-winning, retail/wholesale art gallery specializes in corporate and residential art consulting.

Lisa’s AENY 2011 Seminars:

• Selling Art to Corporations, Hospitals and Designers
• Innovative & Low-Cost Marketing Ideas to Boost Your Gallery Revenues
• Bringing New Buyers Through Your Door with Special Events

Rick Barnett, Senior Vice President, Business Development & Founding Partner International Artist Management Group (IAMG)

For over 15 years, Rick served as SVP of Retail Development, designing and developing the Thomas Kinkade worldwide retail gallery chain, building the business to 400+ galleries and owning seven galleries himself.

Rick’s AENY 2011 Seminars:

• The Top Ten Check List for Sales Success
• Licensing
• Marketing & Branding

Free Webinar, Oct. 20th
If you’re interested in meeting Rick and the IAMG team, you’re welcome to join a free webinar on October 20th at 11 am PST. IAMG says their team will be announcing a new retail concept that could drastically change the art industry and help you increase your margins. Sounds exciting to me… To register, visit www.iartmg.com

What are the top three reasons artists, galleries and publishers return to exhibit at Artexpo New York again and again? Location, location, location! New York City is home to more art lovers, collectors and industry professionals than any other city. It’s the number one city in the country to exhibit in!

An International Audience
With attendees from all over the world, Artexpo New York hosts the largest gathering of qualified trade buyers, private collectors and fine art enthusiasts. Each show offers artists, galleries & publishers an unmatched opportunity to gain exposure, forge new business relationships and find new opportunities for sales! Read some Success Stories>

Elegant Exhibit Space
Showcase your work on gallery-style hard wall booths with professional signage. NYC’s celebrated Art & Design Pier, Pier 94 hosts only the most respected fine art shows in the country. Artexpo New York 2011 will follow The Armory Show & Architectural Digest Show, rounding out the city’s month-long celebration of prominent art fairs. See our Floor Plan now, or explore our attractive, competitively priced booth packages for exhibitors of all levels.

Effective Exposure
Get noticed! Artexpo New York has an aggressive, multimedia advertising campaign through online and print advertising. We also work hard to promote exhibitors through our blog, high-traffic website, and via our 18,000+ fans on Facebook and Twitter.

Unmatched Education
Expand your knowledge base with state-of-the-art education seminars for artists and galleries. Topics include Art Marketing 101, Social Media for Artists & Galleries, and much more.

Booths Are Selling Quickly – Reserve Yours Today
Well over 125 exhibitors have already registered, so don’t miss this opportunity to exhibit your work to an international audience of over 10,000 fine art buyers, dealers, publishers and collectors. Reserve your booth for Artexpo New York 2011 while we still have space in our Floor Plan!