Janis Kirstein

I am an American contemporary artist and writer working primarily with mixed media. My paintings and collage work juxtapose diverse imagery to explore ideas of emerging fragmentation and reconstruction through fluctuating recognition and realization. These perceptions then can transform into a meaningful and unified whole.
I think of creating this work as though I am sifting through an archeological dig of the subconscious mind, moving as though through layer upon layer of earth. Barely recognizable forms emerge from the surface of the paintings into a conscious gestalt where meanings are meant to galvanize through the viewer’s own personal references and connections.
Movement through brushwork, markings and layered, open passages lead the viewer on a journey of discovery, enabling the creation of a myriad of associations and insights. Through observing the relationships of applied materials to a surface, layers of seemingly random associations can merge into realization, recognition and insight.
My materials often include Sumi e Ink, Calligraphy brushes, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, acrylic and a variety of papers including Japanese rice paper and canvas.
I have been greatly influenced by artists from the past. Matisse ha...

University of Massachusetts Amherst '81 Master of Fine Arts
Painting

University of Louisville Kentucky
BA

FINE ARTIST
U.S.A.
janiskirstein@icloud.com
website: http://www.kirsteinfineart.com

SOLO EXHIBITIONS
ZEPHYR GALLERY. Louisville, KY. “Under the Knife.” July, 2010.
ZEPHYR GALLERY. Louisville, KY. June, 2008.
ZEPHYR GALLERY. Louisville, KY. June, 2004.
JOHN HARRIMAN GALLERY, PERUVIAN BRITISH CULTURAL CENTER. Lima, Peru. August 2002.
ZEPHYR GALLERY. Louisville, KY. June 2002.
ZEPHYR GALLERY. Louisville, KY. 2000.
ANNE WRIGHT WILSON ART GALLERY. Georgetown College. Georgetown, KY. 1997. “Fusion.”

AWARDS & HONORS
MUHAMMAD ALI SHINE A LIGHT INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST AND EXHIBIT. Muhammad Ali Center, Louisville, Kentucky. 2016.
POWER OF ART AWARD, ROBERT RAUSCHENBERG FOUNDATION. Washington, D.C. 2011.
COMPETITION WINNER. 1ST INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF NANO ART. 2007. Exhibition held at the Kotka Photographic Centre, Kotka, Finland.
KENTUCKY GOVENOR’S ARTIST’S FELLOWSHIP AL SMITH AWARD. Sponsored by the Kentucky Arts Council with funds from the National Endowment for the Arts 2000
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT AWARD FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE. Awarded for performance as Chair for the Education Foundation, Louisville Chapter, American Association of University Women. 1991.
FELLOWSHIP. Kentucky Foundation for Women. 198...