Chiami Sekine
new paintings

April 16th to May 4th, 2008
Opening reception Saturday, April 19th 4pm-8pm

We are thrilled to present San Francisco artist Chiami Sekine in her first solo show.  Chiami is always interested in exploring new themes, as the work in this show demonstrates, but no matter what the subject her layered, colorful style is unmistakable.  She has created a number of new animal pieces, featuring birds, bears, deer and even some sheep, and she has further developed the use of collaged elements to add a sense of depth and texture to areas of the painting.  A series based on "Barbie" was inspired by the dolls of her childhood and American ideas of beauty.  The graphically-strong camelia paintings use circular shapes and color to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion.  This same technique is used to much different effect in her new cityscape pieces, which use a more complex palate and simple, angular shapes reminiscent of the view from "Rear Window."  Whether you wax nostalgic over Barbies past, or are more interested in cool, contemporary images, you'll find something to love in Chiami's work.  Click the "View Slideshow" button below to see photos from the upcoming show; click here to see pieces from our inventory of Chiami's work and here to read an interview with her.