Author: Seraphina Calder

Camille Ross was born in 1964 in San Francisco, California, and her upbringing spanned two strikingly different worlds. She spent her early years in the politically charged environment of Berkeley during the 1970s and later moved to rural Mississippi. These contrasting landscapes shaped her worldview and artistic approach, providing a unique lens through which she examines society. Ross’s biracial heritage and Cherokee ancestry added another layer to her understanding of identity and culture. Growing up, she witnessed stark cultural segregation among African American and Native American communities, particularly in the face of systemic racism embedded in the dominant Anglo culture.…

Helena Kotnik is an artist whose work sits at the crossroads of vivid aesthetics and deep psychological inquiry. With a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts from Barcelona University and Akademie der bildenden Künste in Vienna, Helena has honed her craft with precision and thoughtfulness. A subsequent Master’s degree adds further depth to her perspective, enabling her to explore themes that traverse societal and personal landscapes. Her work, which she describes as “psychological human landscapes,” delves into the complexities of human experience. Each piece acts as a mirror, reflecting the intricate weave of emotions, identities, and social constructs that shape our…

Jesse A. Kantu, a Houston-based artist, whose works show the complexities of human experience take center stage. His work blends philosophical inquiry with creative exploration, resulting in art that feels deeply personal and universally relatable. From his academic journey to his social initiatives, Kantu has built a practice rooted in examining cultural identity, personal struggles, and the shared essence of humanity. Kantu’s formal education laid the foundation for his multifaceted approach to art. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Sculpture with a minor in Art History from the University of Houston in 2006, he pursued a Master of…

Jessie Shrieves is an artist who has built her career on capturing the creative paintings. Her journey into the art world began with formal training at Parsons School of Design, where she developed her foundational skills. The rigorous curriculum at Parsons exposed her to a variety of techniques and artistic styles, sparking a curiosity that would carry her through the rest of her career. Shrieves didn’t stop with her degree. She sought out anatomy drawing classes in New York City, immersing herself in the study of the human form. This exploration brought her to The Art Students League, a place…

Chenyu Huang, born in China, has built her creative path on the foundation of storytelling. Her work, influenced by her background in fashion design and fine art, challenges boundaries and sparks thought. Currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Columbia University, Huang’s journey is a compelling blend of craft, intellect, and emotional resonance. Title: Dusk Till Dawn Huang began her artistic education at the Pratt Institute, where she earned a BFA in Fashion Design. While many see fashion and fine art as separate domains, Huang views them as complementary. Her approach weaves threads of narrative into her pieces, transcending mere visual…

Bruce Cowell’s four-decade journey through fine-art photography is as layered and evocative as the images he creates. Based in Canberra, Australia, Cowell blends technical skill with a deeply personal approach to storytelling, crafting photographs that go beyond mere documentation. His work invites viewers to pause and consider life’s complexities, often revealing the quiet poetry in ordinary moments. Cowell’s artistic vision is rooted in his belief that photography is more than a tool—it’s a universal language capable of expressing the unspoken. Through the lens, he connects with others, exploring themes that resonate with the human experience. For Cowell, a photograph is…

Clint Anthony is an Australian artist whose career has spanned over 20 years. Known for his abstract works and ventures into modern and graphic design, Anthony has crafted a journey that reflects exploration, self-expression, and an unrelenting passion for art. His story takes root in the bustling streets of New York City, where he immersed himself in the vibrant art scene for more than two decades, from 1996 to 2017. New York City became a crucible for Anthony’s artistic identity. During this period, he curated exhibitions at venues like The Gershwin Hotel, a landmark in the city’s creative community. The…

Stuart Beck, born in 1967 in Lancashire, United Kingdom, has spent a lifetime cultivating his passion for painting. His work, grounded in abstract landscapes, reflects an appreciation for nature, architecture, and the cultures he’s encountered during his travels. Painting began as a childhood interest, nurtured by his late father, and has since evolved into a career and calling. Beck’s artistic style marries his love for dramatic skies and abstract textures with a classical appreciation for land and seascapes. He cites J.M.W. Turner as a major influence, drawing inspiration from Turner’s ability to capture light, atmosphere, and the raw power of…

Annie Sliwka has a way of pulling you into her world with her work. Her art, particularly her lacquer pieces, has an ethereal quality that lingers long after you’ve seen it. She’s found a way to make this ancient medium her own, using it to create pieces that feel alive, almost as though they’re holding secrets meant only for the viewer to discover. Her connection to lacquer began early, during her preparation for higher art school. It wasn’t planned—she stumbled upon it. But once she did, there was no going back. It was immediate, a love at first sight that…

Today, ArtReview announced its annual Power100 list, the publication’s definitive roundup of the 100 most influential figures in the art world. This year, the list is topped by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, who rose from 36th place in 2023. Director of the Sharjah Biennale since 2003 and founder of the Sharjah Art Foundation in 2009, Al Qasimi has become a central figure in the expansion of the contemporary world. art scene in the Middle East. Her influence is increasingly extending beyond the Gulf, as she has been appointed artistic director of the Aichi Triennale 2025 in Japan (its first non-Japanese…