by Bryce Ulmer
With a bit of nostalgia from its days in Kenosha, 716: Fine Art celebrates it’s one-year anniversary in the heart of downtown Racine, Wis. by inviting Kenosha-based artist Rebecca Venn for her first solo show. The new exhibit titled ‘Body Language’ runs July 25 through August 17.
Venn’s most recent works are primarily prismacolor and graphite, but she admits to using ‘whatever is in her hand…pencil, pen or brush,’ choosing to let the subject or story of the work dictate the medium.
Acknowledging some of her influences such as, ‘Michelangelo’s powerful figures, Van Gogh’s passion, Hopper’s mysterious stories and Sargent’s exquisite light,’ Venn celebrates the strength, resilience and beauty of the nude. Featuring soft, almost-melting body forms, Venn’s works have grabbed the attention of many collectors, who note that her art captures a ‘lightness of form, yet the weight of humanity.’ Another previous buyer said, ‘No artist is doing the kind of sensual, energetic and ‘hot’ works that (Rebecca does).’
‘I try to draw from the inside out,’ Venn stated. ‘If the figure does not have bones and muscles then the figure will not have substance for the viewer. I rarely, if ever, draw every inch of the figure. I think the viewer needs to have room to get lost in the image; to bring their own stories to it.’
‘Body Language’ speaks to these stories.
Running from July 25 until August 17, ‘Body Language’s’ opening reception will be held on Friday, July 25 from 6-9 p.m.
