New Jersey native Celia Nobleman will have her African-inspired paintings on display at the Rio II Gallery, with an opening reception on April 7th.
The Rio Galleries offer space year-long to support and nurture cultural, civic, and educational programs, showing the work of emerging and established artists – poets, writers, musicians, dancers, and photographers. Located on the penthouse level of Broadway Housing Communities’ buildings known as The Rio and Dorothy Day Apartments, both galleries are surrounded by lovely landscaped terraces; an unobstructed view of the Hudson River and George Washington Bridge are additional attractions at Rio Gallery II.
Nobleman’s vibrant designs were first inspired by the local art she came across during a childhood trip to Africa. “My love for African Art started at the age of twelve on a trip to Africa,” she says. “On this trip, I found a man chipping away at a block of ebony wood. He was creating a sculpture of a man and a woman connected together. To me, it was the most beautiful art I had ever seen. The man looked into my eyes and knew I had to have this piece. So I gave him all the money I had with me, little did I know this piece would change my life.”
The opening reception of Nobleman’s solo show Rebirth, Revisit is curated by Jose Reyes, who has worked with the artist before. During the reception, which runs from 3pm until 6pm, there will be a North African drums performance by musician Najib Bahri.
“Besides collecting African art, all of my paintings, prints, sculpture and now jewelry seemed to have an African-tribal essence in style and format. I was unaware if this was intentional or not, I just knew I had this in me,” says Nobleman.
Rebirth, Revisit
Sunday, April 7, 3:00pm – 6:00pm.
Rio II Gallery
583 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10031
For more information, visit:
http://www.broadwayhousing.org/
http://celia-nobleman.com/celianobleman/portfolio.html