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Acclaimed Indian-American Artist (and Investment Banker) Creating a Unique Path in the United States

Saphira & Ventura Gallery is thrilled to announce solo art show titled “NIRVANA: My Journey Transcending Philosophies” of the internationally recognized artist Vikash Jha featuring selected works created during the last six years. The show will feature works from his art series such as ‘introspection’, ‘transcendence’, ‘confluence’, and ‘global warming’.

As a contemporary abstract expressionist, in his artistic practice, Jha seamlessly intertwines colors, cross-cultural imageries, and philosophies inspired by his upbringing in India and his experiences as an immigrant to the United States. His works reflect a continuous examination of social, cultural, and philosophical issues, capturing the essence of his intellectual curiosity and exploration through unique and contemporary depictions.

Employing a diverse range of mixed media including acrylic, oil, charcoal, pastels, and upcycled materials, Jha’s growing body of works are characterized by their rich texture and layered complexity. He draws inspiration from modern masters like Picasso, de Kooning, Rauschenberg, Basquiat, Joan Mitchell, Rothko, Pollock, Gaitonde, Hussain, among others. 

Born in India, Jha immigrated to the United States over two decades ago as a Management Consultant and worked for over decade and half at the major Wall Street banks. Currently he is a boutique Investment Banker and an entrepreneur. He received formal education in Fine Art and Management from India. Since then, he has attended advance management programs at Harvard and MIT. Since 2017, Jha’s art has been shown at various galleries in art hubs like Chelsea and Tribeca (2017-2023), and other prestigious New York and New Jersey locations like Sotheby’s (2018) and World Trade Center (annually between 2019-22); SCOPE Art Fair – Miami (2022 & 2023), Palm Beach Art Show (2022) – during Art Basel week), Cairo (National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, 2022), and Venice (Biennale 2022).

Being awarded a critique by Pulitzer Prize-winning Chief Art Critic of ‘New York Magazine’ Jerry Saltz in 2020, Jha garnered Saltz’s praise, stating, “you know a fair amount about art… great sense of color… internal light. Gets viewers engaged from far and… then draws them in… by working back the details. This is important… I think that if this is the least representative of your works, you are in great shape”

“Vikash is an extraordinary talent and we are very proud to present his first solo show in heart of New York City! We have watched his works evolve in complexity, uniqueness and boldness in experimentation over the last several years. He has been carving a niche for himself here in the US and internationally. I have no doubt that his works will be widely received by the art-loving audiences in coming years!” – Alcinda Saphira, Curator of this solo show and Co-Founder of Saphira & Ventura Gallery

Reflecting on his upcoming solo show, Jha expressed his heartfelt gratitude, stating, “To get a chance to show a full range of my works in the middle of New York City, is a huge privilege and honor! I look forward to this great experience!”

In her aesthetic ambition to interpret her ideas via canvas and bronze, multi-disciplinary artist, Lila Hamdan has reached a distinction worthy of her artistic vision. Honoring her works in an upcoming exhibition, Saphira Ventura Gallery together with the support of the New York International Contemporary Art Society (NYICAS), showcases the artist’s collection of paintings focusing on her career as a painter and the various techniques she applied herself to. The exhibition is curated by Alcinda Saphira.

When it comes to painting, multi-disciplinary painter and sculptor, Lila Hamdan started dedication herself to it full time since 2008, since then the painter has explored a variety of themes and took on different influences. Her work has similarities with the expressionist movement, a personal and intuitive art movement where the artist’s inner vision predominated and where the freedom of expression takes precedence. “I don’t want anyone who observes my art to come with a conception, a title or framing it in a style.” observes the artist,  “I like the indefinite, the discovery, and in my works I seek to search for varied forms of expression, even maintaining a certain plastic unity”. Since her launch into the artworld, Hamdan has had the opportunities to exhibit in Helsinki, Miami, Riode Janerio, Paris and New York. Her creations in acrylic on canvas, in addition to sculptures in bronze and resin, are the result of continuous work of artistic investigation, in her Dimensions, Hamdan presents the world as a mirror, where planes of “light and non-light”, in a strong signature cites the human from the philosophical perspective that our attitudes are not a being, but an eternal becoming, infinitely, outside and inside our existence.

At Saphira & Ventura, our mission is to set a new standard in the realms of Art, Design, Architecture, Technology, and Sustainability, inspired by “Excellence”. We aim to embody the essence of refined living, globally. Through our creations, we seek to merge timeless elegance for all, with innovative spirit, sparking imagination and wonder while honoring cultural heritage. Art is not just art, but a reflection of living in today’s society, embodying quality and essence.  

 
Curation: Alcinda Saphira 
Production: Liz Carvalho / Albert Valente  
Support: New York International Contemporary Art Society (NYICAS) 
Design: Camila Crivelenti

The transformative group exhibition, “Terra – Earth Symphony: Harmonizing Art and Sustainability,” returns for its fourth edition, celebrating the intricate relationship between art and sustainability. This exhibition is a powerful ode to the resilience and beauty of our planet, aiming to inspire and engage audiences while emphasizing the critical need to protect and preserve our environment.

“Terra – EARTH” will be on view from April 24 to May 5, 2024, at Saphira & Ventura Gallery. The grand opening reception is scheduled for April 24th at 6 pm at the same venue. Curated by Alcinda Saphira, “Terra” made its debut in 2008 in New York, uniting contemporary artists from various nationalities under a common theme: to showcase the beauty and challenges of our planet Earth (“Terra” in Portuguese). Through a diverse collection of artworks, this exhibition invites viewers to reflect on our planet’s fragility and the crucial importance of environmental conservation.

Join us at “Terra – Earth Symphony” to experience the harmonious blend of art and sustainability, and be a part of the conversation on safeguarding our planet for future generations. For more information and inquiries, please contact: info@artsvgallery.com. Saphira & Ventura is a renowned platform dedicated to promoting art and sustainability initiatives. Through events like “Terra – Earth Symphony,” they strive to raise awareness and inspire positive change in our society. 

AMPLIFY YOUR ART’S IMPACT ON SUSTAINABILITY!

The New York International Contemporary Art Society, in partnership with Saphira & Ventura Gallery, is proud to announce the upcoming opening of ‘Contemporary Figurative,’ a groundbreaking group exhibition featuring international and American artists. Curated by Alcinda Saphira, this highly anticipated showcase will debut on March 27th, presenting a diverse and versatile collection of art that promises to captivate audiences.

Dedicated to the exploration of figurative art, the exhibition aims to provide viewers with a unique opportunity to connect with the art on a personal level by representing familiar forms and themes from everyday life. Through a careful selection of artists and artworks, ‘Contemporary Figurative’ offers a fresh perspective on the intersection of shapes, colors, and human experiences within the realm of contemporary art.

At the heart of ‘Contemporary Figurative’ is a commitment to celebrating diversity and cultural exchange through art. The exhibition features a curated selection of works by a group of talented figurative artists, including ANNA BARYSHEVA, CRISTIANE de O. MASCHIETTO, DIG FERREIRA, MARIA T ASON, TONY CIMINO, NING NING, and the spotlight on LIYU WU, known for his distinctive style and perspective. 

FIGURATIVE CONTEMPORARY bringing together artists from different backgrounds and origins, the exhibition promises to engage audiences with a rich tapestry of artistic expressions.

The opening of ‘Figurative Contemporary’ marks a significant moment in the art world, offering a glimpse into the evolving landscape of contemporary figurative art and the innovative approaches shaping its future. Art enthusiasts, collectors, and the general public are invited to experience this dynamic exhibition, which promises to be a transformative and inspiring event.

About Maria T. Ason 

Maria T. Ason was born in 1967 in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Drawing has been her passion since the early age of 7. In 1990, she earned a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Printmaking and (awarded) Graphic Design at the Art School of the University of Hartford, CT.  Freelanced graphic design and illustration work from 1991 to 1996.

She is a member of the Puerto Rican Women Painters Association, and an active member of the Art House Cooperative aka The Sketchbook Project, Brooklyn, NY.

In 2012, was a member of Arte City Group, a group of local artists that are City of Miami employees. Her artworks have been exhibited in Puerto Rico, Miami, Los Angeles, and NYC. A series of sketchbooks have toured many U.S. Cities via the Art House Cooperative in Brooklyn, NY. 

About Bari Bing

Based in New York and Miami, multi-disciplinary artist, Bari Bing is known for her creative and unique “One of a Kind” jewelry design style, expressing her talent through Modern Art painting. 

Previously creating custom jewels for only private clients, Bari has opened her talent to the painting world. Inspired by the energy and architecture of New York City and Miami, Bari uses mostly prime colors as getting to the basics of expression. Drawing herself onto painting lush paintings, much inspired by modern abstract as can be seen from her large diptychs but also smaller works. 

Bing’s multi-disciplinary career has taken her on several journeys, including winning the DeBeers Diamonds for Men Competition. The artist is based in New York and Miami and has recently been featured in a solo exhibition in Venice in the fall of 2022 as well as Scope Miami Beach.

O evento  é formado por artistas do Coletivo BB, do Espaço BB e da Saphira & Ventura,  expondo seus trabalhos em forma digital no interior da galeria, onde o visitante é convidado a participar da mostra em meio às projeções que terão vida própria e liberdade de encantar a todos.

Nos corredores, os presentes vão passear entre as cores e diversidade de estilos, nas obras expostas, pintadas ou fine art e monotipia, com medidas de grandes proporções. Além da exposição, na abertura haverá muita música, transformando o terceiro piso em uma grande folia artística. “Quando a Arte encontra o Carnaval” é uma exposição itinerante, embarcando para Nova York após o dia 17.02.

As Artes Plásticas e o Carnaval fazem  parte da construção da memória de um povo e são ricos em informações sobre a história, a organização social, além do incentivo à cultura. A diversidade do Carnaval, ao lado dos vários estilos de cada artista, caracteriza as multidões que brincam nas diferentes expressões da folia de cada cidade brasileira e a visão dos artistas internacionais.