They are two amazing artists with powerful messages who convey them through different approaches. With studios in Jersey City’s vibrant 111 First St. arts center, Barbara Stork and Patter Hellstrom are the featured artists at the renowned Chamot Gallery for the show "Two Women."
Stork’s sculptures and Hellstrom’s paintings will be on display through May 19.
Hellstrom’s works, part of her "Target Heart" series, combine Eastern and Western imagery by using elements from Chinese calligraphy to depict the human heart, while employing watercolors and wide Western brushes for the target. Hellstrom, an accomplished Jersey City artist, said that she is attempting to explore the conflicting forms and thoughts of the two images as a metaphor for compassion. The series is enigmatic and thought-provoking, and it challenges the public to look at the paradox of love through opposing forces.
"The works pay attention to Eastern philosophy," Hellstorm said. "It’s a series of simpler pieces with dark colors."
"Two Women," is Hellstrom’s ninth one-woman show. She has been in over 50 group exhibitions at local and international venues, and she is currently exhibiting her works at the Federal Hall National Memorial in New York City.
Unlike Hellstrom, Stork’s work takes a more practical approach to art. Her extremely personal constructions, contraptions, paintings and sculptures are made from materials most would consider trash. Utilizing these found items allows Stork to re-examine society’s values and classism, she said.
Her pieces include a mattress made of balled-up plastic bags, a briefcase made of milk cartons, and a discarded donut box that does duty as a paper tissue dispenser or coupon holder. They all exemplify use out of refuse, mocking people’s thirst for pop-cultural materials.
Stork’s exhibition also includes a number of her "Millennium Flowers," which are individually painted flowers with slogans and phrases written on them, taken from talk radio and television.
"I don’t look to send a message that is heavy," Stork said. "I like using a silly goofiness and humor to reach people."
Chamot Gallery is located on the fourth floor of 111 First St. in Jersey City. Its hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment. The show will run from May 19. Succeeding "Two Women" will be the works of photographer Rikki Reich and his show "The Voice of Silence."
For more information, visit the gallery on the web at www.chamotgallery.com or call (201) 610-1468.