Cathie Bleck "Immersion" and Raeleen Kao "Widow's Weeds"

Bert Green Fine Art is pleased to present our first solo show by Cleveland-based artist Cathie Bleck, and our third solo show by Chicago-based Raeleen Kao.

Cathie Bleck‘s work is a series of luscious explorations into color, light, movement and form. Her process is a building up of multiple layers of organic clay and handmade pigments; she then carves, sands and etches the surface before adding inks, paint, lacquer and/or varnish. These expressive gestures — both subtractive and additive — create depth and lightness. Bleck created this show after an 18-month sabbatical were she traveled the world. Refreshed by glittering waters and enveloped by lush landscapes; she surrendered herself to the universe, utterly and completely immersed. The resulting works are at once bold and intimate, confident yet quiet, soulful and smart. Originally from Chicago, Bleck currently resides in Cleveland.

Raeleen Kao uses bodily imagery: hair, skin and scars to depict the interrelationship of mortality, bodily frailty, consciousness, and identity. Kao sees vanity as a futile foil against deterioration, and is highly critical of social norms around the treatment of women and the dismissal of their legitimate concerns. Her drawings expose extreme personal vulnerabilities yet project a quiet and profound sophistication. Kao is also a skilled printmaker, working in a variety of subjects. Her etchings are subtle and detailed etudes to the natural world and human realities.