"Untitled" Acrylics, Pencils, Oil Pastels on Paper in Neutral Hues of Taupe

"Untitled" 2019, 25" x 31" horizontal drawing on paper by Argentine-born artist Karina Gentinetta (featured in Elle Decor, the New York Times, Traditional Home, Veranda Magazine, Luxe Interiors, and most recently on 1stdibs' Introspective Magazine). Raw and unfiltered, this work is a beautiful expression of acrylics, carbon pencils and oil pastels in hues of black, white, browns with a hint of blue on paper against a warm raw umber background (Umber, a dark brown, is part of the prehistoric palette of earth pigments). This piece was made and on loan for the 2019 Kips Bay Showhouse in New York. Framed floating in a natural and modern maple wood shadow frame with glass. Measurement of actual painting (unframed) is 18" x 24".

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.