"Midsummer's Dream" Acrylic, Oil Pastels, Pencils Abstract in Plum Hues 20"x20"

"Midsummer's Dream" 2024, 20" H x 20" W. Multi-colored square abstract painting consisting of acrylic, house paint, pencils, and oil pastels on canvas by Argentine-born artist Karina Gentinetta (featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, the New York Times, Traditional Home, Veranda Magazine, Luxe Interiors, House Beautiful, and 1stdibs' Introspective Magazine, among others). This work is a colorful, energetic and full of childlike innocence. It is bold and spirited and celebrates the beauty of a warm summer's day. As with all of Ms. Gentinetta's paintings, they also incorporate elements of reason and mathematics as a constant reminder of the rational side of her life. A vibrant movement in acrylics, pencils and oil pastels in predominant hues of plum, bordeaux, pinks, peaches, burnt orange, raw sienna, mauve, white, lavender, and blue with carbon pencils against a neutral background. Framed in a natural raw maple wood floater frame.

Karina Gentinetta's vast and audacious canvases are inspired by her home city of New Orleans. A litigator for thirteen years, Gentinetta found herself at a crossroads after losing her family home and the majority of her possessions during Hurricane Katrina. Turning to art and design for solace, the self-taught artist was inspired to leave her law practice to pursue her creative passions in the shocking aftermath of the storm.

Redolent of the shattered landscape of New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Gentinetta’s paintings evoke the broken frames of flooded homes and the city's devastated infrastructure. Downed telephone lines, random piles of debris and condemned buildings are all present in the thick brushstrokes and intrepid lines that mark each canvas. The artist uses materials that are purposely indicative of construction sites, including wall plaster, varnish and house paint acrylics, imbuing the works with both a subjective symbolism and forceful aesthetic.

Using a monochromatic color scale, the Stark paintings juxtapose opposing sentiments including vulnerability and strength, chaos and balance. The bold, abstract compositions speak to a multiplicity of themes including grief and despair, but above all celebrate the triumph of rebirth and hope over loss and devastation.

Gentinetta’s works have received national and international recognition and have been featured in such publications as The New York Times, Elle Décor, Luxe, Veranda, Traditional Home and More Magazine among others. Most recently, Gentinetta collaborated with RH Modern on a limited edition series which was successfully received and sold out. Her works can be viewed on 1stdibs online and personally at the Gallery at 200 Lex at the New York Design Center in NYC.

Commissions may be requested.