Roq la Rue Gallery
presents new work by:
Audrey Kawasaki
Myna Sonou
Scott Altmann
opening Friday July 7th 6-9pm
runs through August 5th

Click here for online gallery

Audrey Kawasaki
The themes in Audrey Kawasaki's wildly popular art are contradictions within themselves. Her work is innocent and erotic. Each subject is attractive, yet disturbing. Audrey's precise yet fluid technical style is influenced by both Manga comics, and Art Nouveau at the same time. Her sharp graphic imagery is combined with the natural grain of the wood panels she paints on, bringing an unexpected warmth to enigmatic subject matter. The figures she paints are seductive and contain an air of melancholy, and exist in their own sensually esoteric realm, yet at the same time present a sense of
accessibility that draws the observer to them. These mysterious and elusive young women captivate with the direct stare of their bedroom eyes.For the July show at Roq La Rue, Audrey has adhered to her popular
themes of alluring girls, animal skeletons, and a modicum of flora and fauna.

Myna Sonou
Similar to her that of her influences The Brothers Quay, Jan Svankmejer, and Ladislav Starwich, Myna Sonou's work is a peculiar amalgamation of insects, animals, and compassionate humor.  Although it's not difficult to see Myna's cinematic influences in her work, she has the unique ability to create an equally rich world within a
microscopic environment.  With the addition of her intricate method, passion for detail, and incredible command of color and texture, Myna brings her habitats to life for their audience.  When viewed, her Petri dish realms evoke a feeling of sentimental association, however Myna insists that they do not reflect an emotional display of her personal hardships.  "I try to keep who I am separate from what I do, because I don't think they need to be constantly synonymous."   It's no surprise that her ability to reflect upon the world around her in an unbiased manner equates to work that is empathetic to her fans. Myna will be exhibiting both paintings and 3d sculptures.

Scott Altmann
Born on Long Island, New York Scott was never far from a drawing tool and a surface to make a mark. The early years consisted of funny looking beasts and asymmetrical faces. Years later Scott attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and graduated from the Illustration Department with his BFA. The paintings being exhibited at Roq La Rue are largely influenced by being a new dad to his beautiful 1-year-old son. Few adults appear in these
new paintings, which is unusual for Scott. He became interested in the juxtaposition of a person as an adult and a child. "We are kind of just big, adult bodies that grow around these little childlike souls. We never really change much – especially when faced with fear or any
conflict", and this sentiment is an ongoing theme in this current series. His work is of the realistic doing the impossible with a dash of Sci Fi sensibility.