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London’s Belgravia Gallery is holding a month long exhibition of the works of prominent abstract artist Monroe Hodder in oil titled “The incidence of the Black Swan”. Influenced by abstract expressionism, Hodder captures harmony through her process of painting rather than the painting itself. Vibrant and mesmerising scratch the surface as descriptive terms of the works of Monroe Hodder, many of which have been made available at Belgravia’s extensive modern and contemporary art gallery at Mayfair.
“Nobody does gesture, paint and colour like Monroe Hodder. Firmly grounded in Abstract Expressionism, she admires 20th Century artists like Gerhard Richter and Mark Rothko. A Hodder adds a kaleidoscope of light to the dullest room and lifts the spirit with energy and joy. She is an artist to watch,” said Anna Hunter, Founder Director of Belgravia Gallery while declaring the exhibition open.
“American Abstract Expressionism developed as an internationally influential artistic style following World War II. Artists such as Mark Rothko and Jackson Pollock are considered two of the heroes of this movement. With social realism as a stylistic predecessor, many artists including Rothko and Pollock were quick to refute the description of their work as abstract. It is important to acknowledge that works of abstract expressionists are rarely similar, however most found their artistic inspiration in the process of painting rather than the painting itself” said Laura Walford, Co-director of Belgravia gallery.
A true colourist, Hodder works on large canvases to create a visual experience using texture, familiar geometric forms and bold colour which at first glance may appear simplistic or childlike. She finds inspiration in the dichotomy of her natural surroundings – the chaos of urban life in London contrasted by the peaceful and vast mountains of Steamboat, Colorado.
Hodder seems to delight in making the wrong moves right, with a subtle sense of playfulness. Painterly surprises give an open and improvisational quality, offset by a structural sense of balance in the work. There is an overwhelming sense of serenity evident in many of Hodder’s paintings. The romantic titles of her works probe the viewer to further explore the colour, texture and form. Though abstract, muted greens, cobalt blue, and shades of red elegantly unite in Spanish Steps to create a sense of familiar place, according to art enthusiasts.
Works by Monroe Hodder are found in major museum collections include San Jose Museum of Art, CA, Palo Alto Art Museum, CA, and Kasteev Museum, Kazakhstan. Paintings are held in over 300 public and private collections internationally, including Tom Cruise and Katy Holmes, Linklaters, and Bank of America.
The special exhibition of Hodder’s abstract works at Belgravia gallery will conclude on October 15th 2012.
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laura[.]belgraviagallery.com 
