New Paintings 2001

Driven by her exploration of the natural world, Karen Arm creates new paintings, which allude to natural structures by intensely studying their form, system and demeanor. Using both observational and scientific techniques, Arm further pursues themes explored in her previous works - revisited with an ever-expanding vocabulary of visual language.

The current group of work confronts the eye with images at once abstract and representational. Intricate marks fill fields of color creating new interpretations of the natural world. Arm's meticulously painted abstractions transform into representations of nature as one approaches the work, revealing intricate smoke formations, fields of stars, linear whirlpools and streams of red droplets creating a persistent shower of blood. Emerging from an abstract painting tradition in which specific color evokes symbolic meaning; these paintings challenge the viewer's visual perception. At times Arms's investigations move away from their actual source toward abstraction, while in others ahe still works closely from obervation as she learns about a particular form.

Arm' s selections of forms correlates to both observation and studies of physics, especially fluid motion. This is most evident in her latest series of works which features the smoke from incense - tumultuously twisting and curling which suggest a poetic sensitivity to its nature and an acute physical understanding of its' intrinsic qualities.

An inherent quality to all the works, is an emotional space for the viewer. With each entry into these pictures of nature the viewer brings in its own experience, and its own understanding of systems, structures, and the spirit.

This Karen Arms second one-person show at P.P.O.W, her debut exhibition was at Pierogi Gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. She has shown in numerous group shows nationally.