ArtExpo: New York

Arts | May 6th, 2016

By: Elle Anderson

Every year during the month of April, New York City hosts an international art exhibit. For 38 years, ArtExpo has been changing the way people buy and sell art. They are also considered to be the world’s largest fine art trade show. Publishing companies, solo artists, photographers and collectors of art from all over the world join for this three-day event.

Solo: rising artists

ArtExpo: New York has two other art shows that are included. The first is Solo, which is a showcase for emerging artists. Solo creates a space where artists are able to network with others on an international level and build connections. “[SOLO] has become the ultimate venue for independent artists to be discovered—not only by gallery owners and art publishers—but by collectors and enthusiasts in search of exciting new works.” Solo also features three days of seminars and conference classes offering a new perspective.

Foto Solo: rising photographers

Similar to Solo, Foto Solo is an exhibit in the expo that focuses on independent photographers from all ends of the world. Foto features collections of fine art photography from the world’s best abstract, contemporary and realist photographers. There are also three days of different seminars to attend and learning opportunities.

Two different artists, two different perspectives

While attending the exhibit, I was fortunate enough to sit down with two artists, Mary Johnston and Yuroz. They both were delighted to sit down and discuss their art and the process each goes through to create that art. As Yuroz said, “Art is not a luxury. Art is a necessity.”

Mary Johnston

Johnston was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota. This is her fourth year having a booth at the ArtExpo. Growing up, Johnston used pen ink to create art and as she started college she painted with watercolors. Johnston never has an outcome with her paintings. She creates abstract and realistic art. Johnston likes to paint in groups and never knows the outcome of her paintings. From there she decides if she needs more of one color or less in the group.

(photo by lisa hemm)

Yuroz

Yuroz was born in Soviet Armenia and traveled to the United States. He was homeless for a long time but always kept himself busy. Yuroz stated, “It was very difficult but I always worked twelve hours a day and in my spare time I’d create art.” Opposite of Johnston, Yuroz always knows what he wants to paint before he starts the process. In each painting you will notice recurring themes such as a blue rose, a pomegranate or no strings on a guitar.

photo by elle Anderson

In the photo above you can see the blue rose, pomegranates and an open window. Yuroz loves working mythology into his artwork and there is romance in every art piece. The pomegranate means fertility and prosperity in Hinduism. In mythology, blue means healing and a rose means love. Lastly, the open window means the future holds bright things. In conclusion, every piece has its own story.

Learn more

ArtExpo website: http://artexponewyork.com

Mary Johnston: http://www.maryjohnstonart.com

Yuroz: http://www.yurozart.com

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