Contrast and Convergence On Silk

Local artist Nena Tahil explores the relationship between the concrete and the fluid in her latest exhibit "Silksation," a collection of original silk paintings, now on display in Manhattan at the Philippine Center, at 556 Fifth Ave.

"My multicultural background has nurtured my appreciation of differences and my ability to meld them into a harmonious unity," said Tahil in her artist statement. Tahil is of Singaporean and Filipino descent and has lived in Southeast Asia, Egypt, and America.

Though all the paintings at the exhibit have been made on silk, they vary widely in visual content. Some of them are purely abstract or geometric in nature while others focus on the human form or landscapes. "Each painting is a solid memory of a place or event," said Tahil, "yet our remembrance of certain life situations is accompanied by real feelings we all share as humans. These thoughts are fluid in nature yet shared. I attempt to convey the universality of our feelings."

Tahil has been painting on silk for 10 years, but, she said, she only got serious about her work in 2006. "At the end of that year, I put together my first solo exhibit and was greatly encouraged by the support and the sales," she said. She added that her evolution as a painter was very organic, almost accidental. "Originally, I painted silk scarves to give away as unique gifts to good friends," said Tahil. "Several people commented on how unique they were and that they were good enough to frame as paintings. I listened to their advice and so began my passion for painting on silk."

The 30 pieces included in the exhibit are meant to cover 10 years, the entire length of the artist's career. 'Reflection of Solitude,' a figurative piece awash in dark blue tones that depicts a woman with her head bowed, was one of Tahil's first creations, and 'Cosmic Convergence,' a swirling black, white, and gray abstract piece, is her most recent. She also selected pieces to showcase the various types of silk she uses, such as habotai, crepe de chine, and pongee. "The sheerness of silk is represented in some of the double-tiered pieces in the exhibit," said Tahil. Her work 'Sienna Sunset,' a golden hued and intricately layered depiction of the day's end, and the 'Island Dream' series of geometric, light-filled images are great examples of this.

Tahil moved to Hoboken from Manhattan with her husband more than seven years ago and has found its relative calm to be an ally in her artistic endeavors. "The city is so full of bustling color and motion," she said. "Hoboken allows one to take advantage of the excitement, yet sit back and reflect. It allows for contemplation - and that certainly enhances creativity."

Tahil's "Silksation" will be open through Friday, Sept. 17.