Looking Out, Looking Beyond
Painting and Drawing by Ilene Krug Mojsilov
Study for Smoldering Ridge, 2023, gouache
Join us for a poetic painting and drawing exhibition and discover wonderful landscapes and seascapes by artist Ilene Krug Mojsilov.
These paintings explore how we frame and expand our point of view — physical and mental — when contemplating wide open spaces, encouraging a perspective that looks not only out but also beyond.
The verticality of the landscapes evokes both Chinese and Japanese ink paintings, where the hanging scroll might frame, for example, a view of an expansive mountain scene. At the same time, taking a cue from Renaissance painting, I reference the double-hung window as it pertains to views of the outdoors.
In both cases, the viewer basks in a particular scene. Yamami and Smoldering Ridge are embodied expressions of real and imagined landscape views. Each painting is accompanied by drawing studies revealing thoughts about composition, mark making and color play.
The seascapes, with their contrasting horizontal format composed of multiple panels, suggest a wide perspective where one imagines the peripheral view extending way beyond the canvas. Black Sea Red Sky scans a panorama with surface markings enhanced by cold-wax medium. Each coastline inspires a sense of place with gestural abstraction.
- Ilene Mojsilov
Red Sky Black Sea Triptych, 2023, oil, wax, charcoal, marble dust
Born and raised in Minnesota, Ilene completed a BFA and MFA in Studio Art minoring in Art History from the University of Minnesota. She broadened her artistic practice coming of age living in Japan and France. Japanese calligraphy, Ikebana, and French landscape painting influence her visual language to this day. She is an artist who favors paint, ink, pencil, collage materials, and photography. Color, light, and the vestiges of observed shapes populate her work. She has been a teaching artist and museum educator for many years. This work has expanded her personal creativity and built relationships with art newcomers and enthusiasts.
After the opening night on Thursday, October 3rd at 6 pm, the exhibition will be open to visitors Monday through Thursday 9 am to 7 pm, and Fridays and Saturdays 9 am to 4 pm. The exhibition will be on display until November 2nd 2024.
This event is free and all are welcome! Registration is not required, but please consider registering and making a $10 donation to support our cultural programs like this one. Your support allows us to continue the presence of cultural programs which benefit our whole community.