Ardian Tragaj / a solo exhibition

“My portraits at first view look like deformed heads,” Ardian Tragaj says of his works, “but deep down they symbolize times and certain political systems.” Employing simple lines and basic shapes, Tragaj’s paintings have the clarity of cartoons, but through their expressive use of color, line and composition, they become complex, multi-layered works. With their distorted features and wide-eyed expressions of pain and surprise, his subjects combine comic absurdity with an underlying darkness.

Working in acrylics on canvas, the artists limits his palette to a few colors in each image, resulting in a stark, graphic simplicity that powerfully expresses the subject’s internal conflicts. Those conflicts echo the experiences the artist himself has gone through. Having grown up in Albania, he says the struggles the Balkans have endured are reflected in his images. “My works are a geography of Albanian and Balkan psychologies,” he says, and by bringing that geography to life, he creates a compelling experience for the viewer.

The exhibition opens on September 20, 2016 and runs until October 11, 2016. The opening reception will take place on the evening of Thursday, September 22nd, 2016, Entrance is free.

Exhibition Dates: September 20, 2016 – October 11, 2016

Reception: Thursday September 22, 2016, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Gallery Hours: Tues-Sat 11-6

Gallery Location: 530 West 25th St, Chelsea, New York

Event URL: http://www.agora-gallery.com/artistpage/Ardian_Tragaj.aspx

Featured Artists:

Ardian Tragaj / a solo exhibition

Ardian Tragaj

About Agora Gallery

Agora Gallery is a contemporary fine art gallery located in the heart of Chelsea’s fine art district in New York. Established in 1984, Agora Gallery specializes in connecting art dealers and collectors with national and international artists. The art gallery’s expert consultants are available to assist corporate and private clients in procuring original artwork to meet their organization’s specific needs and budget requirements. With a strong online presence and popular online gallery, ARTmine, coupled with the spacious and elegant physical gallery space, the work of our talented artists, who work in diverse media and styles, can receive the attention it deserves. Over the years Agora Gallery has sponsored and catered to special events aimed at fostering social awareness and promoting the use of art to help those in need.