ART IO
THE ART & CULTURE MAGAZINE
Cover Artist: Karaya
Director/Curator in Chief
Bisa Bennett
An accomplished and experienced artist herself, Bisa Bennett understands the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for artists to exhibit their work. As a curator and multimedia designer, she is also well-versed in creating engaging opportunities for viewers to experience art. “At our gallery, our vision is to serve as a dynamic and inclusive platform that fosters connections between artists and art enthusiasts, nurturing a vibrant and diverse artistic community,” she explains.
Cover Photo Artist: Karaya
Instagram: artio.art.gallery
Email: exhibit@artiogallery.com
Copyright © Artio Gallery.Inc
THE REVIVAL OF TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES IN MODERN
KARAYA: Awakening the Soul
KARAYA
Painting for me is pure alchemy – driven entirely by the energy of emotions that need transmuting through my paint-covered hands, which channel the energy and transform it into a dance of vibrant colours on the canvas. My desire is for the observer to deeply connect with my work- for it to awaken something in their soul that has long laid dormant. – Karaya
Kaya began painting in 2021 following a series of very significant and devastating life events. The artist describes her desire to paint as a compulsion, rather than a conscious decision, “My creative energy just erupted from within.” She explains. Indeed, Kaya’s flowing energy is powerfully present within every one of her paintings. Her work is instantly recognisable for its vivid colour palette and dynamic mark-making. Works such as Home, Elevate, Root and First Born, document the artist’s emotion and energy across various surfaces, from tree roots and cork sheets to traditional canvas. Inspired by her Reiki practice, Kaya’s process is deeply intuitive and spontaneous.
Feel the love, follow your heart / acrylic paint and ink / 39.5 x
70 cm
Colour plays a significant role in Kaya’s work. “I particularly love iridescent and fluorescent colours, so you’ll see these in many if not all of my pieces. Colours have their own vibration and correlate with your chakras. Sometimes when I finish a piece, I will step back and look at it for a while and I can see where the energy was being released from based on which colours I used. It still amazes me that my paintings are so vibrant and colourful because the emotions that took me to the canvas were most often heavy, dark and painful.”
The artist hopes to invoke a visceral response in the viewer, communicating something beyond the rational and academic in favour of meaning that is emotional and essential. Karaya sees her practice as a method of creative healing that can inspire others. She explains, “I hope that when people read my story and see my work that they are inspired by the healing power of expressing your creative energy and how much of a positive impact this can have on your life, how it can pull you from the depths of despair and save you. It’s a lesson in taking your pain, sitting with it and then alchemising it from the darkness into something beautiful.”
Thefuture looks bright for the London-based international artist. Her approach to her work reflects her view on life, “I am very fortunate to have a lot of international exhibitions in the pipeline for 2025, so I am excited to watch the year unfold. I live my life in a way that is totally in flow with the universe and its plan for me.”
In bursts of energy, colour, light and form, Kaya’s paintings emerge organically from deep within her soul. The artist summarises, “It’s as if I stand aside and I let the creative energy flow through me so that I become creator and observer all at the same time.”
First Born / acrylic paint and ink / 91.5 x 61 cm
THE REVIVAL OF TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES IN MODERN ART
In an era dominated by digital innovation and conceptual art, a quiet yet profound movement is taking shape—artists are rediscovering and revitalizing traditional techniques. Whether through classical oil painting, intricate woodcarving, or the delicate art of fresco, contemporary creators are bridging the past and present to forge new artistic narratives.
This revival stems from a desire to reconnect with the tactile and meticulous processes that defined art for centuries. Many emerging artists are turning to time-honored techniques, not as a rejection of modernity, but as a way to preserve craftsmanship in an increasingly digital world. Painters such as Kehinde Wiley and Julie Heffernan blend Renaissance-inspired techniques with contemporary themes, proving that the past can be a vehicle for modern storytelling.
Julie Heffernan / Self-Portrait with Daughters, oil on canvas, 79” x 56”
Beyondpainting, there has been a resurgence in artisanal disciplines like ceramics, textile art, and printmaking. This renaissance is fueled by a growing appreciation for the handmade in a mass-produced society. Collectors and curators are recognizing the depth and authenticity that traditional craftsmanship brings to contemporary works, further encouraging artists to embrace these methods.
While technology continues to push the boundaries of art, the revival of traditional techniques offers a counterbalance—one that values patience, skill, and a deep engagement with materials. As artists weave historical techniques into modern narratives, they ensure that these timeless practices remain relevant, inspiring future generations to embrace the beauty of craftsmanship.
Kehinde Wiley / Portrait of Aissatou dialo Gueya, oil on canvas, 84” x 60”
BellaKollek’s work fuses traditional craftsmanship with new digital technologies. Based in Munich and works across a range of genres and media including geometric abstraction and oil painting. She is a private student of painter Martina von Schulthess. Describing herself as a ‘contemporary abstract paintress,’ Kollek explains, “Art is part of my identity. It is an optional source of happiness that we all have access to.”
Inspired by the Art Deco and Cubist movements, Kollek’s series Fertile Soil focuses on the genre of portraiture. These images capture female fortitude and feminine strength. This series of highly stylised female portraits suggests various references from fashion photography to the paintings of Tamara de Lempicka and Edward Hopper. The artist’s distinctive colour palette of emerald green and shades of rich brown imbue the paintings with a mid-century vintage quality. The creation of this body of work involves a unique three-step process incorporating manual drawing, artificial intelligence (AI) and hand painting onto paper. Kollek is at the cutting edge of new technology, embracing the potential of AI as a creative tool, resulting in elegant painterly images.
Fertile Soil blends art historical references within a highly contemporary creative practice. These elegant cinematic images are striking yet timeless. Each female figure adopts a pose of quiet power.
BELLA KOLLEK
Fertile soil I / mixed media on paper / 30 x 40 cm
Fertile soil II / mixed media on paper / 30 x 40 cm
Fertile soil III / mixed media on paper / 30 x 40 cm
MEAM
“Beyond
Borders”
ARTIO GALLERY
at the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, Spain.
June 13-15, 2025
Opening reception: June 13th, at 6pm.
BORBALA ESZTERI
A free-flowing intuitive energy and a rich, expressive painterly quality characterise Borbala Eszteri’s paintings. In fascinating compositions, female figures appear to dance within the frame. Combining abstraction and figuration, Eszteri’s paintings capture a sense of fluidity and freedom. Each canvas has a richly detailed surface and an enigmatic narrative quality. Works such as Lo Eterno en el Alma and Life Is so Tasteful Eszteri are joy-filled and layered, incorporating floral, abstract and organic motifs. The Switzerland-based Hungarian-born artist has a background in fashion design and a passion for painting. She first put paint to canvas during lockdown in 2020 when she discovered paint as a medium to explore her thoughts and emotions.
Lo Eterno en el Alma / Oil on Canvas / 150 x 100 cm
GEORGIO BOSSO
“The fruits of what you see are the transformation of my life through the medium I use, like acrylic, sand, jute, toys, plastic flowers, and my knife spatula. My art is a living evolution…” explains contemporary artist Georgio Bosso. His paintings are defined by intensely sculptural surfaces and tactile textures. Each piece documents the artist’s deeply personal journey from trauma to healing. In works such as Untitled and Urban Oasis Bosso demonstrates his singular and instantly recognisable visual language, characterised by deep hues and a dynamic concentrated energy. Every painting involves an exploration of the artist’s place in the world through a highly expressive gestural practice. Born in Buenos Aires, Bosso lives and works in Milan.
Oasis / Mixed Media / 31 x 39 cm
Untitled / Mixed Media / 39 x 31 cm
Contradiction
Acrylic on MDF panel / 79 x 88 cm
NATSUYA MYOUI
Natsuya Myoui’s art has a mythical folkloric quality. The contemporary artist creates an enigmatic cast of animalistic characters in a rich vivid colour palette. Myoui’s work alludes to myriad references from pop and graffiti art to anime and ancient mythology. Crisp line work and a graphic-stylised vocabulary characterise the artist’s practice. Works such as Minority and Contradiction, embody a rhythmic balance composition, wherein creatures are intertwined in a dynamic pose. His laser-cut shaped canvases on wood have a powerful sculptural presence. Myoui is inspired by contemporary societal events and by the desire to convey empathy and create communication. The artist lives and works in Japan.
/ Acrylic on MDF panel / 65 x 89 cm
Minority
RUBIN JIANG
RUBIN JIANG
Witha deep connection to the physical act of painting, Rubin Jiang draws inspiration from personal experience and societal phenomena. The artist explains, “Through my practice, I strive to convey unspoken emotions and an enduring curiosity about the world. My creations serve as a bridge between traditional and modern methods, offering a visual language that captures the complexity of human experiences and the desire to explore beyond the familiar.”
In paintings such as Could be – Mountain, Could be - Water and Grounding – Connection, Jiang combines traditional and digital painting techniques. Fusing Giclée printing and watercolour painting, the artist creates delicately ethereal images characterised by a lightness of touch. Combining abstraction and figuration pastel colours seem to float, cloud-like across the painting’s surface.
Born in China and currently based in London, Jiang earned her master’s degree in Fashion Futures from the University of the Arts London. Her creative practice is multidisciplinary and multifaceted, encompassing various mediums such as painting, photography, animation and fashion design. Her work has been published and exhibited in China, the UK, America, and elsewhere.
Could be - Water / Watercolor and Digital Painting / 38 x 26 cm
Grounding - Connection / Watercolor and Digital Painting / 26 x 19 cm
Women in Art
THE WOMEN RESHAPING THE ART WORLD
For centuries, female artists have been overlooked in favor of their male counterparts. However, in recent years, women have been gaining the recognition they deserve, challenging the traditionally male-dominated art world and redefining its landscape.
Artists like Yayoi Kusama, Kara Walker, and Jenny Saville have become household names, pushing boundaries in contemporary art with their unique perspectives and fearless creativity. Meanwhile, younger artists such as Tschabalala Self are emerging as powerful voices, bringing diversity and representation to the forefront.
Beyond artists, women are taking leading roles as curators, gallery owners, and museum directors, ensuring that female perspectives are embedded in every level of the art industry. Initiatives like the National Museum of Women in the Arts and platforms like Art Girl Rising are advocating for greater visibility and equity in the field.
As the art world continues to evolve, the contributions of women are becoming more significant and undeniable, paving the way for future generations to thrive without barriers.
THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE ART WORLD
Social media has revolutionized the way artists create, promote, and sell their work. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest have become virtual galleries, providing artists with an unprecedented level of exposure and accessibility.
Instagram, in particular, has emerged as a powerful tool for artists, allowing them to connect directly with collectors, galleries, and fellow creators. Hashtags, reels, and live sessions enable artists to showcase their process and engage with their audience in real-time. Meanwhile, TikTok has introduced a new wave of short-form art content, where time-lapse videos and behind-the-scenes glimpses attract millions of viewers.
While social media offers tremendous opportunities, it also presents challenges. The pressure to consistently produce content, navigate algorithms, and maintain engagement can be overwhelming. Additionally, the commercialization of art through social media can sometimes overshadow artistic integrity.
Despite these challenges, social media remains an essential tool for contemporary artists, reshaping the art world by democratizing access and fostering a global community of creators.
Olafur Eliasson • Wirbelwerk
SUSTAINABILITY IN ART A GREENER FUTURE FOR CREATIVITY
Asconcerns over environmental impact grow, many artists are rethinking their materials and processes to create more sustainable art. From eco-friendly pigments to recycled sculptures, the movement toward sustainability in art is gaining momentum.
Artists like Olafur Eliasson and Agnes Denes have long been pioneers in environmentally-conscious art, using their work to raise awareness about climate change and conservation. Today, emerging artists are following suit, opting for biodegradable materials, plant-based dyes, and even upcycled waste to create impactful pieces.
Beyond individual efforts, galleries and institutions are also embracing sustainability, minimizing their carbon footprint by hosting digital exhibitions and sourcing eco-friendly installations. Art fairs and museums are prioritizing energy-efficient lighting and reducing waste to align with a greener vision.
This shift towards sustainability is not just an artistic statement—it is a necessary step in ensuring that art continues to thrive without compromising the health of our planet.
Building to Last / collage / 58 x 38cm
GORAN TOMIC
Goran Tomic’s artistic practice is dynamic and responsive to the contemporary moment.
GGoran Tomic’s artistic practice is dynamic and responsive to the contemporary moment. Often working while on the move, in cafes, pubs, and even on public transport, Tomic creates art inspired by his immediate surroundings and the ephemera of his everyday life. His chosen media includes cardboard, envelopes, and old book covers, utilising everyday materials to capture the chaos of the urban environment and blur the boundaries between art and everyday life.
Works such as A Tale of Constructivism and Hart Crane are vivid collaged compositions reminiscent of pop art masters such as Rauschenberg and Rosenquist. Tomic describes his work as an exploration of what he terms the “Modern Inferno.” The artist states, “They are Compositions within compositions commenting on the current state of technology, AI, climate change, cheap and nasty architecture, disposable culture, medication as food, the new age Jungian world on our doorstep. This is our Modern Inferno.”.
Hart Crane / collage / 27 x 39cm
Ocean / acrylic on canvas / 30 x 30 cm
YULIIA PILHUI
“The Celestials Collection reflects the profound connection between humanity and the universe, capturing the wonder and mystery evoked by the night sky. Inspired by the cosmos – stars, planets, and galaxies – each painting serves as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that exist beyond the visible world,” explains contemporary artist Yuliia Pilhui. Paintings such as Darkness and Ocean have a rich elemental quality embodied by abstract forms and a bold palette of deep blues. Pilhui’s practice is informed by her observations of the night sky, the awe it inspires and the freedom it symbolizes. Combining abstraction and figuration, her paintings are luminous, and light filled. Pilhui hopes her work inspires introspection and contemplation. The Ukrainian-born artist lives and works in Portugal.
/ acrylic on canvas / 50 x 60 cm
NAIRAPINZ NAIRAPINZ
Multimedia
artist Nairapinz Nairapinz works across myriad creative forms including drawing, clay sculpture, photography, audiovisual production, and jewellery design. With a focus on photography and digital illustration, Nairapinz utilises contemporary means to craft timeless images. In works such as Reflections on the Guaíba River and the Guardian of the Horizon series, the artist creates digital illustrations based on photography and post-production. These works are characterised by a rich painterly visual language and a naturalistic colour palette. “As a visual storyteller, I capture life’s fleeting moments and turn them into atemporal tableaus,” explains the Nairapinz. The artist lives and works in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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