Anaja Hvastija Gaia

Just As You Are: The Duality of Being

SPRING/BREAK Art Show LA 2024 | BOOTH B5

curated by SOPHIA BALLESTEROS

Los Angeles | Feb 27 - Mar 3 2024

SPRING/BREAK

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Art Show

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SPRING/BREAK 🌊 Art Show 🏝

I’ll Be Seeing You

2023, Oil on Canvas, 47.2 x 43.3 in 120 x 110 cm

Alone Together

2023, Oil on Canvas, 51h x 59w in 130h x 150w cm

Just As You Are

2023, Oil on Canvas, 47.2 x 43.3 in 120 x 110 cm

CURATORIAL STATEMENT

Mysterious landscapes, existing somewhere between the planes of the physical and psychological, are home to serene figures of feminine forms. Their complexions are soft and silent; contemplative both together and alone. Two domains of the self, the ideal and the actual, are represented in these canvases, depicting the duality of identity and the balance between what is real versus what is imaginary.

Humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers characterized the self-actualization theory as a life long investigation, with our self-concept consisting of three different parts: how we view ourselves, what we wish we were like, and what we believe our worth is in relation to other people. Hvastija Gaia’s paintings visualize the subconscious conversations we have within ourselves to define ‘who am I?’ and ‘what am I worth?’ The figures present speak to one another in a language unbound by words. Their soft embrace alludes to a knowing between them that transcends need for verbal expression. Surrounded by peaceful countryside, they are unburdened by the concerns of the outside world; left to behold one another and examine what makes them one and the same.

THE ARTIST

Slovenian artist Anaja Hvastija Gaia (b. 1995) currently lives and works in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Her current studio practice has led her to embark on an artistic evolution, gravitating towards simplicity with emphasis on the serene and contemplative essence of female forms. Through oil painting, her creative exploration isn't tethered to a predefined narrative; instead, it delves into the realms of her internal conflicts, emotions, desires, and intimate connections. Hvastija Gaia subtly evokes principles of humanism and empathy with the pensive figures depicted in her work. These figures exist within landscapes inspired by the dream-like topographies that exist within each of us as well as the vast outdoors of her home country Slovenia.

Anaja Hvastija Gaia received a Bachelors in Art Pedagogy from the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia in 2020. She has had solo exhibitions at Bill Brady Gallery, Miami, FL (2023) and ATM Gallery, NYC, NY (2023). Hvastija Gaia has been featured in group exhibitions at König Gallery, Berlin, Germany (2023); Tuesday to Friday, Valencia, Spain (2023); Long Story Short Gallery, Paris, France (2022).

Instagram// @anajahvastijagaia

THE CURATOR

Sophia Ballesteros is an arts professional living and working in Miami, FL. Beginning her professional career in 2018, Ballesteros was introduced to the art world through the non-profit art space 621 Gallery in Tallahassee, FL. Since then, connecting with people and bridging the gap between the artist and the public has been a drive that she leads with in all of her professional endeavors. Upon moving to Miami in 2022, Ballesteros began working under the wing of the late Bill Brady, and was the Director of Bill Brady Gallery (Miami and Los Angeles) from January 2023 until the gallery’s closing in December of 2023. Today, Sophia serves as Gallery Manager at Mindy Solomon Gallery in Miami, FL while also dedicating time to grant writing, studio management, and curatorial projects with a deep love of supporting local and international artists at all stages of their career.

Instagram// @_sophiaelisa_

Email// elisa@sophiaballesteros.com

SPRING/BREAK Art Show is an artist-run annual exhibition in the form of an art fair. It continues its mission by offering free exhibition space to independent curators and low participation fees for galleries in order to foster exploratory exhibitions in atypical art environments, and encouraging focused programs on emerging and mid-career artists, as well as installation, performance, interactive and video work.

Concept// www.springbreakartshow.com

Collections// www.springbreakartfair.com

Instagram// @springbreakartshow

SPRING/BREAK Art Show

Los Angeles 2024

5880 Adams Blvd, Culver City Arts District

February 27 - March 3, 2024

Collectors First Look + Press Preview

Tuesday, February 27th, 2pm - 5pm

VIP Opening Night

Tuesday, February 27th, 5pm - 9pm

Public Show Days

Wednesday, February 28th, 2pm - 8pm

Thursday, February 29th, 2pm - 8pm

Friday, March 1st, 2pm - 8pm

Saturday, March 2nd, 12pm - 8pm

Sunday, March 3rd, 12pm - 6pm

ARTWORK PDF

CURATORIAL STATEMENT / ABOUT THE CURATOR PDF