"Breaking Surface" Artists Go Deep

Tonight, Thursday, June 30, Gallery @ The Flatz in Peekskill opens a photography and moving image exhibition featuring the works of Holger Eckstein, Aldara Ortega, Pauline Chernichaw, Matthew David Wachsman and Jonathan Godinez. “Breaking Surface” features five artists exploring two sides of a single threshold: the border between water and air. The works offer viewers a stillness though which to search surface curves and reflections.

Established artist Holger Eckstein’s Water Series #1 is a representational meditation on flexible borders and the stillness that resides inside every motion. His work has been shown in galleries around the world, and he is also an eminent fashion photographer whose work has graced numerous magazine covers.

Fine art photographer Aldara Ortega, who is also a fashion model, captures large-scale idealized female figures celebrating their transformation underwater. Ortega’s images depict a woman’s vulnerability at the height of her power. Merging her own reflective experiences with those of her subjects, creates harmonious and light-filled works. The result is a series of images that seem like paintings, evoking a dream-like liberation of being underwater. Her interest lays on the relation that the subject develops with the water, how the intimate thoughts and sensations create a silent dialogue with the liquid environment.

Pauline Chernichaw is a visual artist working in fine art photography. She makes water-based abstractions using the surface not only as canvas but as sinuous mirror, both warping and in the thrall of reflected organic and constructed objects. Chernichaw‘s images capture that “decisive moment” in which water surface bends, breaks and becomes an abstract work of art.

Moving image artist, Matthew David Wachsman pushes the limits of camera technology and perception in his attempt to capture how beauty changes subtly through time. He shoots exceptionally small windows of water, rendering it both unrecognizable, and yet on a primal level, intimately familiar. Wachsman is a film and television director of photography and producer.

Fine art photographer Jonathan Godinez’ attempted to capture Niagara Falls’ searing speed and power in its magnified broken surfaces. Godinez’ juxtaposition and playful flipping of horizons, together with his color choices flash freezes this familiar landmark into its essence. In addition, Godinez is a network video editor and professional dancer.

Additional information about the artists and works can be found at: facebook.com/breakingsurfaceart
Images and links to the artist’s websites are on the official exhibition website: breakingsurface.net
Gallery @ The Flatz exhibition website: http://gallery.theflatz.com

All of their work is meant for lingering and contemplation, like an ocean wave to children, breaking, inspiring wonder.