Exotic Masks and More in New Art Exhibit

The works of three distinct artists are on display in the latest exhibit at the hob'art co-operative gallery, now in its permanent home at the Monroe Center for the Arts. The exhibit, which held a reception with the artists on Saturday, will be open until September 9.

The exhibit is titled REVERIE, which according to the official exhibit statement is "Defined as a daydream, or the condition of being lost in thought, adding a state of consciousness to dreams. REVERIE depicts the transition from imagination into reality, challenging each artist to render their visions in their own unique way.”

There are two artists in the exhibit who depict women and femininity, including Janet Kolstein, whose Giclee prints show a series of pensive, haunted and forlorn looking women.

Kolstein said she first takes a photograph and then embellishes it with pastels and pencils, and then manipulates the image on a computer before printing it. She said she spends anywhere between a couple of hours to a couple of months on any given piece, depending on when she thinks she has finished.

The Guttenberg resident said she has been honing her art for a very long time.

“I've been an artist since I was a child,” Kolstein said. “Since I could hold crayons.”

Kolstein's photos of women compliment the large sculpted paper canvases by Hoboken resident Heather Corey. Corey's collection, titled "Love Garments," depicts the female body.

"These pieces are based on personal experiences, and show a lot of emotions and a lot of colors,” Corey said.

Corey, who worked on her series while on summer break from teaching art, said she undergoes a rigorous process to make each piece, alternating between what she calls a wet studio and a dry studio. She said she takes several weeks to shape and color the various papers on each canvas.

The exhibit also features the work of Erik Attia, a biologist by day and a maker of masks in his spare time, including for the famed Cirque du Soleil.

“I'm inspired by natural elements, like birds, animals and landscapes,” Attia said.

Attia said his masks match the Venetian style, and that in addition to paper mache, plaster and clay he also uses natural materials such as beetle shells.

Attia said he appreciates that his masks are always very visible in art exhibits.

“They're unique and they stand out on the walls,” he said.

To see the work of these three artists, visit the hob'art space in suite 208 in the Monroe Center. The gallery is open every Saturday and Sunday from 12pm-5pm, and also by appointment. For more information, including on future shows featuring the group's several dozen member artists, visit the hob'art website.