Paintings – Celeste Neelen

‘ To me the act of painting is magic. Out of nothing, slowly or suddenly, emerges something, color, space, movement, form. I love this process of creation, the smell of the paint, the texture of a brushstroke, the surprises and frustration.  What is touching or inspiring, will find its way into the painting. That can be expression of movement, color, abundance of nature, beauty, and also social themes like  immigration and how we cope with borders.’

Borders

The river Evros marks the border between Greece and Turkey. For ages it has been the site of border clashes. Recently it is a place where many refugees found death, while trying to cross to Europe. The peaceful landscape doesn’t provide many clues about the tragedies that have occurred here. While many people are aware of the reoccurring tragedies of refugees drowning in the Mediterranean Sea, the fate of Evros’ victims remain a relatively uncovered story.

A couple of paintings made while staying in Greece. The first one is inspired by a friend who could sit for hours at the sea-side writing her stories. The others are the first abstract paintings I made, inspired by nature and flowers. Other sources of inspiration are architecture, light in the city and portraits.

Day light creeps on the walls,
night light brings surprises,
vast spaces of architecture,
built by human hands,
reflections of light,
beautiful in their own way