PRESS RELEASE
Anna Bogatin: Wanderings
Jan 11 – Mar 22, 2014
Holly Johnson Gallery is pleased to announce the opening of Anna Bogatin: Wanderings, an exhibition of new paintings and works on paper. A reception for the artist will be held Saturday, January 11, from 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit continues through March 22.
Considering herself as much of a philosopher as a painter, Bogatin takes much of her inspiration from Buddhism, likening her creation of art to meditation. She is also highly influenced by Australian Aboriginal art - especially themes of wandering inspired by ritual walkabouts and dream painting.
There is serenity in much of the work - yet tension is evident too, as the canvas is sometimes divided into two distinct sections with a bold and decisive line – either from top to bottom or side to side. Typically, Bogatin creates a series of lines or dots which form a sort of community with one another. By layering one line over another and in repetition, Bogatin makes us aware of time and movement and shows us there is something to be said for an even pace and pausing to hear one’s own rhythm.
Bogatin was born in the former Soviet Union, Ukraine (1970.) She lived in Russia, the Republic of Georgia, Ukraine and Poland prior to coming to the U.S (1992). She received her BFA from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia (2002), and her MFA from the San Francisco Art Institute (2006). Her work has been shown in numerous exhibitions throughout the U.S. and abroad and is also included in important private and corporate collections, including PD-LD Ink, Pennington, NJ; and Coventry, Philadelphia PA. Bogatin currently lives and works in Pennsylvania.
This exhibition marks the first solo show with Holly Johnson Gallery. Her works were last seen this summer in On Drawing: Line a joint exhibition between Holly Johnson Gallery and Devin Borden Gallery, Houston.