The Agora Gallery presents Scandinavian artists Åke Johansson and Bjorn Wefring in Contemporary Perspectives and Hannu Uusluoto in Interpretative Realms. Scheduled to run from January 30 through February 19, the collections will feature a captivating selection of new works by two innovative and talented artists from Scandinavia.

Swedish artist Åke Johansson creates magnificent graphite portraits that feature the classic and modern day titans of Hollywood, rendered with a great sensitivity and in striking detail. His pencil work nimbly captures the dramatic proceedings and larger-than-life personas radiated by such stars as Marlon Brando, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe and Jack Nicholson. Johansson’s work highlights a rhythmic construction of forms and beautiful modulation between shadow and light, while concentrating on intensity found in the eyes and facial posturing. Other works feature costars posed together in dynamic compositions replete with a sensual tension and polished charisma found only in Hollywood’s elite.

Norwegian painter Bjorn Wefring works in a grand expressionistic style, giving landscapes an enveloping emotional and experiential texture. Whether depicting looming mountains in stark mid-winter tones, or the dry, languid planes of rosy summer afternoons, Wefring invites viewers into seasonal landscapes with an expertly composed mix of horizontal and diagonal compositions.

Two elements get paired up again and again in the work of Hannu Uusluoto: iteration and the natural world. This shouldn't be surprising, as more and more often scientists point to iteration as the process by which Nature herself puts it all together. "My artworks are artistic stories about life and universe," says Uusluoto.
Exhibition Dates: January 30, 2009 through February 19, 2009
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 5, 2009, 6-8pm
Gallery Location: 530 West 25th Street, Chelsea, New York
Gallery Hours: Tues - Sat, 11am-6pm