I’ll be honest:  I’ve never taken an Art History class, and consider myself to be a relative novice when it comes to art.  I would never presume to stand on my soapbox and determine what is “good” art, because that decision is entirely subjective to the art’s beholder. I don’t like when others tell me what or how I should feeling about something (I know, I have a problem with authority), especially with art.

Despite my lack of a technical background, I am passionate about art and collecting it whenever I can. I don’t usually examine the reasons that prompt me to admire a particular piece of art; I generally just know what I like when I see it (maybe you’re like me in that way). However, over the last few years, I have at least recognized that I am drawn to specific genres - i.e., the abstract female form. So, if you’re reading this hoping to hear of artists who paint landscapes, this blog post probably isn’t for you. BUT, if you’re interested in abstract art and the nude female form, then you’re in the right spot! Read on to learn about some of my favorite abstract artists.

Holly Addi

On her website - hollyaddi.com - Holly describes her art with the following quote: “the art of abstraction and philosophy of beauty in imperfection,” which I think succinctly encapsulates how I feel when I look at one of her paintings. Her art adroitly plays with shapes and negative space, so that, while chaotic at first glance, is actually organized in its on disorder. There’s a certain bit of anarchy to her work, which forces the observer to make sense of the painting according to the emotions that arise within her. Addi offers no guidance as to how one should feel about her art, something which I very much happen to appreciate.

Addi’s website offers both original paintings and prints, and even encourages inquiries about commission pieces. And if you’re looking for prints of more of her past work, then look no further than her line on Artfully Walls. I ordered a print of the artwork above, and am so very glad I did.

Jessalyn Brooks

If you’re a lover of artwork featuring colorful, voluptuous women, then look no further than artist Jessalyn Brooks. The women she encapsulates on canvas and paper are bold, vibrant, and full of life. I don’t know how she does it, but Brooks seems to contort these women into truly original positions, so that none of her work exhibits any redundancy - seriously, no two of her pieces are alike.

Just one look at her paintings, and it’s clear that Brooks knows her way around color. She expertly blends unexpected color pairings together, so that they almost bleed into each other. The end result is art that is fully of both contrast and harmony.

Brooks offers both paintings and drawings through Placemeant NYC, and her art can also be purchased via Poster Child Prints.

NG Collective

NG Collective is the unforgettable collaboration between sisters Laura Naples and Kristen Giorgi, and believe me, when it comes to creating ethereal art, this sister act can’t be beat.  Both self-taught artists, NG Collective truly showcases the evolution of the sisters and their art, with each exploring the parallels and distinctions of movement, form, and the interaction between the two.

Though by no means reductionist, Giorgi’s more notable works focus on the female form in its most basic shape.  Naples continues to study the exchange and synergy between layers of organic shapes.  And both are popular in their own right:  Naples’ prints are offered at Design Within Reach, while Giorgi recently collaborated with CB2.  

Kate Zimmerman Turpin

I love the work of Kate Zimmerman Turpin soo much.  It seems no matter what she does, her art creates a sense of restfulness that I – and so many others – very much need in their lives.  In a society of constant stimulation and consumerism, Turpin’s art forces us to slow down in order to fully absorb it.  At first glance, the casual observer may see only one flat, lifeless color, but, on further review, she realizes the true depth and range of the colors Turpin uses in her artwork.  And that is what I like so much about these pieces – they require both a level of peaceful mindfulness and energetic inquisitiveness to really appreciate.

I have had my eye on acquiring one of her pieces for some time now, but to do so is incredibly difficult. For one thing, she doesn’t (in my humble opinion) update her shop with new works often (I mean, I get it, we all have lives apart from our work), and when she does, they sell out fast. Signing up for her newsletter is definitely helpful, because it alerts its readers to upcoming releases, and following her on social media isn’t a bad idea either. For her last release, I missed the start of it by a matter of an hour or two, and when I finally realized my mistake and went to her website, everything was already sold. They’re that good.

Satsuki Shibuya

If I could define the beauty of Satsuki Shibuya’s artwork using just a few words, it would be effervescent movement.  I love watching the way Shibuya’s brush lovingly dances across the canvas (check out her Instagram reels to see what I mean).  This multi-hyphenate artist (her Instagram bio writes that she’s also a poet and spiritual channel) creates art that’s more than just something pretty to look at – it’s a vehicle for connection.  On her website’s Artist Statement, Shibuya writes, “I see myself less as the artists and more as the medium through which the universe communicates the harmony that moves between us.”  And, with one look at her previous works, it appears she has achieved just that. 

Find her available and past works at Tappan Collective.

Joy Kinna

Oh my, do I love to look at Joy Kinna’s art.  It’s fluid, almost otherworldly, and allows its observer to appreciate it without feeling overwhelmed.  Each piece plays nicely with both its use of tonal color combinations and negative space.  On her About page, Kinna explains that her work is an accumulation of “feelings, memories, landscape, subconscious and conscious thoughts that form into colors and shapes that she interacts with on canvas.”

And with her prints available at McGee & Co, Kinna’s popularity has recently skyrocketed with the masses, allowing her to appeal to a wider audience.  It is very, very well deserved.

Are you an art lover, but don’t know where to start for your home collection? Never fear, because Meredith at MAW Interiors is here! Our interior design services including selecting art, furnishings, and decor. Inquire below for more information.