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Eleni Markopoulioti – A review of Mirror Images

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Editors

Mirror Images: A salon in the West End

Wednesday 9^th of May saw the opening of a new series of works by decorative artist Helen O’ Keefe at the private apartment of art advisor Sandra Higgins. Sandra Higgins has been active in the art world for the past twenty years, both as an art consultant and as a curator, and is a founding member of the association of women art dealers. The present exhibition, Mirror Images, is part of her petite gallery series that showcases work in her private residence.

Unlike most openings I go to this reception had a very different feel to it: it felt like a salon. People were energetically discussing about art&culture and the artworks displayed in the beautiful drawing room; while sipping champagne and eating some amazing salmon. This is the old school way of hosting art openings – I am hoping for a comeback – and based on all the art books I have read I was hoping for Manet to pop through the door. Manet unfortunately wasn’t there, however, the artist Helen O’Keefe was present, discussing her new work, as well as prominent art writers, art buyers, and art brokers.

Helen O’Keefe is an Australian born British artist that has been exploring the use of plexiglass and mirrors in this new body of work. She plays with reflections and illusions created by the distinct 3D effect of the media she employs. Her works have a  romantic and decorative quality manifested through  her striking colour palette. In the artist’s own words: ‘Colour is my life…I’m greatly influenced by the wonderful colours found in India, in all aspects of life – rich but subtle colours in off-beat combinations are around every corner. Patterns on printed fabrics, embroidery, and beading from all corners of the world also fascinate me. In my work, I layer colour, pattern, and reflective materials such as metal foils, mirror and glass, to create rich, glowing images.’ Apart from the ornate plexiglass boxes O’Keefe has also painted the glass windows of the art advisor’s drawing room evoking mysteries from Venice.

The works are on view by appointment until June 13^th. For further details and future exhibitions held by Sandra Higgins please visit www.sandrahiggins.com. Ms. Higgins is also curating the exhibition In the Rings with Ali at Smokehouse Gallery, which celebrates the career of Muhhamad Ali and coincides with his 70^th birthday and the London Olympics.

-Eleni Markopoulioti

Mark Your Diary!

Review of Mirror Images by Jacopo Nuvolari for 1883 Magazine

Even in times of recession, British art is in good shape and despite what its detractors may say, London is still one of the most sparkling centres of contemporary art in the world. It goes without saying, a good part of this success is due to the many prestigious galleries spreading around the city; but – let’s face it! – art galleries can be incredibly intimidating places, even if you have been dealing with them for quite a long time.

If you are among those who have ever dreamed of a more informal and intimate place for exhibitions, know that your dream has now come true. Following a trend started in Paris, the independent art advisor and curator Sandra Higgins has recently begun a series of “private receptions” to introduce the work of outstanding artists in the relaxed atmosphere of her exquisite home gallery in the heart of modish Kensington and Chelsea. With a long experience of working with several individual clients, corporations as well as institutions, Sandra undoubtedly knows who to bring under the spotlight: her latest show – Mirror Images, featuring the work of Australian-born British artist Helen O’Keefe –  certainly won’t let you down.

With a varied background covering many aspects of applied art and crafts, Helen O’Keefe makes artworks that are a real feast for the eyes. After a long time collaboration with London-based fabric designer Les Lansdowne, Helen moved into painting murals and furniture for residential and restaurant interiors and then into painting miniature furniture for international collectors of dolls house furniture in a delightful 17^th and 18^th century style.

In more recent years, Helen has begun painting on glass and has been commissioned to paint both “themed” shop windows and also pictures. She has also developed a method of painting onto Plexiglass with attached mirrors which gives a 3D effect; full of light, rich colour and a feeling of exuberance, Helen’s mirror paintings aim to explore the effects of reflections and illusions. The influence of her early years in Australia is unquestionably evident in the use of colour and underlying patterns, evidently reflecting the eye of a fabric designer.

In regard to the use of colour in her work, Helen explains: “Colour is my life. I surround myself with it in my painting and my home. Without it I would feel very sad. I’m greatly influenced by the wonderful colours found in India, in all aspects of life – rich but subtle colours in off-beat combinations are around every corner. Patterns on printed fabrics, embroidery and beading from all corners of the world also fascinate me. In my work, I layer colour, pattern and reflective materials such as metal foils, mirror and glass, to create rich, glowing images”

Mirror Images is a pleasurable wave of colour under the leaden sky of London; surely not to miss.

Helene O’Keefe – Mirror Images will be available to view on appointment until June 13^th at 46 Harcourt Terrace, Apt. 3, London SW10 9JR. Tel: + 44 (0) 207 244 7194; Mobile: +44 (0) 7721 741 107. 

All images courtesy of Helen O’Keefe

Words by Jacopo Nuvolari

http://www.1883magazine.com/art-exhibitions/art-exhibition/helen-okeefe

PRESS RELEASE: Helen O’Keefe – Mirror Images

chelPrivate Reception May 9th 2012

Sandra Higgins is delighted to present Mirror Images an exhibition showcasing the work of the Australian born British artist Helen O’Keefe.

O’Keefe has recently developed a method of painting onto plexiglass with attached mirrors which gives a 3D effect. With these and the paintings on glass, she has been exploring the effects of reflections and illusions. This has led to intriguing and absorbing possibilities and seems to her to reflect the kaleidoscopic elements in life. Her paintings are full of light, rich colour and a feeling of exuberance. The influence of her early years in Australia is evident in her use of colour and underlying patterns, reflecting the eye of a fabric designer.

‘Colour is my life. I surround myself with it in my painting and my home. Without it I would feel very sad. I’m greatly influenced by the wonderful colours found in India, in all aspects of life – rich but subtle colours in off-beat combinations are around every corner. Patterns on printed fabrics, embroidery and beading from all corners of the world also fascinate me. In my work, I layer colour, pattern and reflective materials such as metal foils, mirror and glass, to create rich, glowing images ‘

The exhibition will be a complete interior transformation with the artist installing bespoke painted plexiglass panels within the large window frames, of the Gallery Petit which will form cascades of coloured light throughout the space. In recent years, O’Keefe has begun painting on glass and has been commissioned to paint “themed” shop windows – many for The Cross in London. The plexiglass panels will be available by special order. The walls will be adorned with O’Keefe’s 3D light boxes.

Sandra Higgins is an Independent Art Advisor and Curator who deals with individual clients, corporations and institutions. She has recently begun a series of Private Receptions to introduce the work of outstanding artists in her small gallery/salon in relaxed atmosphere which invites dialogue between the artist and client.

Available to view on appointment until June 13th 2012

46 Harcourt Terrace, Apt. 3, London SW10 9JR

Tel: + 44 (0) 207 244 7194 Mobile: +44 (0) 7721 741 107

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