Artist: Ariel Mitchell
Curator: Charles Moore
Ariel Mitchell's artwork goes beyond the surface, using layers of paint and texture to create dynamic and abstract compositions. Her canvases—often linen—bend and twist into new forms, inviting viewers into worlds of her own making. Mitchell's style has evolved from traditional figure painting and printmaking to the experimental abstract works we see today. Her early pieces were characterized by the integration of unconventional materials such as string, cardboard, and spray paint, often combined with her uniquely stretched, cut, and punctured canvases. This fusion of color, texture, and form has become her signature.
Mitchell's work evokes a range of emotions and memories through her use of vivid primary colors like Theolo cyan blue, Quinacridone magenta, and Elzon yellow, contrasted by black and Tannion white. Her brushstrokes, often starting slow and deliberate before gaining speed, capture the energy of a moment in time. These strokes create illusions of light and movement, enhanced by the tension she builds through her mark-making process. Each painting feels like an excavation, where the viewer is invited to explore what lies beneath the surface. Titles serve as a framework, helping to convey her intended messages while allowing space for personal interpretation.
In addition to Ariel Mitchell’s work, Eline Boerma is currently exhibiting at the prestigious Koninklijke Prijs voor Vrije Schilderkunst (Royal Painting Prize). Her work will also be featured at KERS Project Space on the Lindengracht. Known for her unique exploration of modern themes through vibrant, expressive techniques, Boerma’s inclusion in both of these spaces marks her as a rising talent in contemporary art. Her pieces reflect a deep engagement with color, form, and emotion, aligning her with other boundary-pushing artists in the current scene.