Lisa Stefanelli, Red Horizon 02, auto paint and enamel on board; image courtesy of Robischon Gallery
Lisa Stefanelli's captivating paintings are neither purely abstract nor representational. At a distance, the dynamic, edgy forms that playfully dance against stark white backgrounds reflect an old school graffiti sensibility. Anyone who grew up revering cultural rebellion in the form of spray-painted MTA subway cars, might feel a sudden jolt of nostalgia when viewing Stefanelli's works.
A closer look reveals flawless lines and lush, elegant forms reminiscent of the art nouveau style. Yet whereas traditional art nouveau concerned itself purely with stylized organic forms, Stefanelli's dramatic compositions only hint at the natural world.
Occupying a sensual space somewhere between sultry and delicate, urban and natural, I like to imagine Stefanelli's forms as some kind of mutant, robust foliage growing from the cracks of city sidewalk.
Fantastical thinking aside, Stefanelli's mastery of line, form and material (she prefers auto paint) distinguish her work from other contemporary abstracts out there.
Lisa Stefanelli is featured in the dazzling Material Abstraction show at Robischon Gallery in Denver, through June 30, 2012.
(above) Lisa Stefanelli, Love Madness, auto paint and enamel on board; image courtesy of Robischon Gallery
(above right) Lisa Stefanelli, unknown title, auto paint and enamel on board;image courtesy of Robischon Gallery
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