Galerie Stein Magazine

Maryam Eivazi Karaj, Iran I really enjoy Maryam Eivazi's approach to the abstract expressionist genre. In her MFA studies in Bologna, Italy, she developed a distinctive style with immersive scenes, abstract symbols, and expressive brushstrokes. Her recent work features vibrant scribbles, captivates with its playful vibrancy, and I see hints of Cy Twombly and Basquiat in her paintings. Untitled by Maryam Eivazi, 2021. I also feel that Maryam's unique color palette creates a distinctly feminine quality...

Beñat OlaberriaLondon, UK Hailing originally from the Basque country in Northern Spain, Beñat Olaberria is an Abstract Expressionist artist based in London who earned his degree from City and Guilds at the London Art School, obtaining an MA in Fine Art. Beñat's art practice departs from impressionistic, narrative, and reductive approaches. Rather, Beñat's creative practice is an exploration of his subconscious. His paintings evolve as a response to initial nervous, spontaneous, and impulsive mark-making, eventually achieving balance. 'Inbetweens' by...

John Goetz Santa Monica, CA Born in Switzerland and growing up in Montreal and Toronto, John Goetz now calls Santa Monica home. He is said to have started out in graphic design school, but felt confined by the rigidity of design, which ultimately led him to the freedom of Abstract Expressionism. 'Revelier' and 'Huntington' by John Goetz. There’s a lightness in Goetz’s paintings that I like. This can be explained by Goetz’s stated reason for...

José Parlá New York, NY I'm a longtime follower of Brooklyn-based José Parlá. Born in Miami in 1973 to Cuban parents, Parlá grew up between Puerto Rico and the mainland US. Sensitive to the politics of his surroundings, his art is influenced by expressions of resistance and resilience--"[t]hey are paintings that are alive to political resistance, but also resistance to death." 'It's Yours: The International Illegal Construct Against Indigenous People' by José Parlá, 2020. In 2021, Parlá spent three months in a medically-induced coma...

Guest blogger: Beth W. Stewart (Galerie Stein featured artist) When was your last trip down a rabbit hole? If you're like me, it's a daily occurrence. One thing I love about teaching world history (which I do) is all the rabbit holes I get to travel, under the guise of “prep”.The Cold War is rich in this regard. I’ve previously written (albeit briefly) about one such rabbit hole—the suspected CIA involvement in writing the rock anthem “Wind of Change” by the...

I'm captivated by Cleveland artist Matthew Dibble's unique artistic approach. With a background in construction (as a roofer for 30+ years), he brings a craftsman's precision to his work, approaching each piece with meticulous attention. Dibble's abstract compositions of gestural movements are a mesmerizing choreography of creativity. 'Mechanics Lien' by Matthew Dibble. Graduating from Cleveland's Cooper School of the Arts in 1978, Dibble has carved his own path, free from the constraints of traditional artistic...

Jeffrey Tover is based in the town of Benicia, a stone's throw away from the vibrant cityscape of San Francisco where he studied at the San Francisco Art Institute. His paintings are expressive and truly embody the boldness of abstract expressionism.   'Coachella Valley' by Jeffrey Tover. In Tover’s paintings, I see the unmistakable influence of Cy Twombly, Joan Mitchell, and Willem DeKooning. His canvases seem to explode with a kaleidoscope of colours and dynamic, bold gestures....

Henri WagnerParis, France Henri Wagner's art is a fascinating interplay between boldness and serene nuances, and I love this kind of tension. Wagner's pieces are made from a variety of art materials inspired by graffiti, including spray paint, coating, gesso, and more. His artistic approach extends beyond to sculpture in which he skillfully layers materials, which he makes look easy but actually belies his thoughtful and intentional craftsmanship. Untitled by Henri Wagner, 2021. I find Wagner's unconventional...

Toma-L Marseille, France Born in Nantes, France, in 1975, Thomas Labarthe (aka Toma-L) is said to have experienced a transformative revelation (in his words, a "veritable electroshock") in 2001 with an encounter with Jean Dubuffet's works. Then, three months later, inspired by this moment, he created his first painting, Mala Bestia. By 2006, he had exhibited 'Figures Libres' at the Centre Altercultura in Barcelona, which marked a milestone in his career.  By Toma-L, 2023. Over time, his work gained...

Bisco Smith New York, NY Bisco Smith is a prominent contemporary Abstract Expressionist artist hailing from New York. He seamlessly fuses his musical and graffiti roots into a unique and expressive visual language - a kind of lyrical approach to deconstructed expressionism, which I find really compelling. 'Dream Chaser' by Bisco Smith, 2019. His approach is characterized by gestural marks and abstracted text and seem to capture the essence and energy of the particular moment of creation. He apparently...

Tim Nerheim-Chereck Portland, OR In the realm of American self-taught artists, I find Tim Nerheim-Chereck to be a captivating figure. Tim draws from Abstract Expressionism, neo-expressionism, and the CoBrA movements, infusing his abstract landscapes with bold and dynamic energy. By Tim Nerheim-Chereck. Tim's unique artistic journey involves living with undiagnosed bipolar 2 for four decades. During this time, he channeled his creativity into classical music compositions. Seeking balance, he independently studied art history, laying the...

Jeff Wenzel Denver, CO Jeff Wenzel, born in 1959 in Denver, led a nomadic early life across Colorado, California, and Alaska. Upon returning to California for postgraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, he immersed himself in abstract expressionism. Focusing on sculpture and painting, he honed his craft under the mentorship of renowned abstract expressionist sculptor Peter Voulkos.  'Mother Load' by Jeff Wenzel, mixed media on wood.  Guided by influential figures Elmer Bischoff and...