Work Represented on V & M – Abstract Figurative Nude Female Portrait

Josana Blue Abstract Figurative Acrylic Painting – Nude Female Portrait

This beautiful untitled acrylic on canvas by Josana Blue (1977- ) depicts an abstracted reclining nude female in the odalisque style. The painting is one of only twenty-six works of art chosen for the juried exhibition, “NYU Venice 1974-2011, Artists and Angiola Churchill”,  celebrating the best work of over 1,000 alumni of the NYU Venice campus, and the contributions of Professor Dr. Angiola Churchill.  The exhibition runs from May 24th to June 9th, 2012, at the 80WSE Gallery on the campus of New York University.

Over the past ten years Josana has had three solo shows in Manhattan galleries, and has participated in numerous group exhibitions throughout New York City. In addition to painting, she has acquired a following for her freelance creative work in fashion and interior design, including work in windows and interiors for the Polo Ralph Lauren flagship stores in Manhattan. Josana received a performance grant scholarship and BFA from West Virginia University.  In 2003 she was awarded first prize in the juried competition, “Clara Scarampella & The Americans”, in Venice, Italy. Josana received her MA with concentrations in painting and studio art from New York University.

“As a painter, my art is founded in the image of women. My approach to the female figure is abstract and highly stylized. Through geometric shapes, vivid colors and strong lines I create captured imaginative scenes. The compositions hold elements of both urban and ethereal post-cubist space. The figures’ faces remain unidentified, anonymous; they are defined through their bodies as my muses: dancers, models, singers and dress forms for whom I design. The female figures portray playful, elegant and sensual forms. I design these bodies, clothes and scenes following my mood. I begin a piece with an idea or specific image of which the painting will express. However, my process always leads to my yielding control to the paint and where it inspires me to go.”

“Each composition alludes to my steady interest in blending fine art and design, which highly influence both the subjectivity and space of each piece. My chromatic solution, decorative design and the composition of space, is certainly influenced by the tradition of Modern European painting. However, I believe that my work expresses that of an American Metropolitan artist.” — Josana Blue.