Conversing with Ana Marini-Genzon
By Kat Ward
Jun 29, 2015
http://hometown-pasadena.com/creative-types/conversing-with-ana-marini-genzon/110347




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We parked at the end of the culs de sac, then walked up the driveway past the abstract Ana Marini-Genzon Studio sign, toward the little main house painted white with bright blue trim around the windows and along the roof line. It was our second to last stop during a tiring but magical and inspiring 2-day Open Studios tour this past June, in which Ana was participating.

Continuing down the driveway and past the house, some of Ana’s paintings were mounted on trees, while at the end of the driveway, a pop-up tent had been set up to exhibit more works and offer sustenance. What we’re assuming was a two-car garage is now Ana’s studio. It’s a large single room, bright because of sliding glass doors overlooking the backyard, and featuring more paintings, a few works in progress, and some of her sculptures.

We missed meeting Ana that day, but she was kind enough to respond to our inquiries and grant an interview…

Birds of Paradise


HP: Hi, Ana. We’ve read that you were born in Buenos Aires. Did you grow up there? Could you tell us about your interest in art and your studies?


AMG: I grew up in Buenos Aires Argentina, I moved to the U. S., specifically to Pasadena, in 1989.

Art has been a passion since an early age.—it has always been a very important component of my life. When I graduated from High School, I studied art at The National Institute of Fine Arts Manuel Belgrano where I earned a BFA in Visual Arts and Arts Education.

Later on, I continued my education at the National Academy of Fine Arts Pridiliano Pueyrredón in Buenos Aires, Argentina where I graduated with an MFA with a specialization in Sculpture. Upon my arrival to the America, I continued my education in visual arts under the guidance of Alex Kristelis and Philip Cornelius. Additionally, I pursued courses at Art Center College of Design.

Spain


HP: Since you became committed to painting and sculpture, has your style evolved, and if so, how?

AMG: I started working and showing my art on a regular basis while I was working on my MFA when I was in my late twenties.

My style has evolved in such way that I can say I found my voice through my paintings, sculptures and installation work. At the very beginning of my career I painted what seemed to be safe, what seemed to follow the patterns and rules I learned at school.

HP: Can you verbalize, generalize what your art is about?

AMG: My art is a reflection of what I perceive happening in real life. These situations may reflect happiness, sadness, conflicts, angry feelings, protection, memories, kindness, etc. This has always been a real focus of interest in my artwork.

In addition, sometimes I present characters that I have read about. Many of these are products of a Latin American-style know as Magical Realism.

Year of the Horse


HP: How did your involvement with installations begin?

AMG: My involvement with installation work was accidental. I found sewing patterns in a recycling container.

See L. A. Times Story, May 8th, 2008:

Silence is also the theme of Ana Marini-Genzon’s new solo show at Tracy Park Gallery in Santa Monica, albeit with less sinister implications.

“It’s an exploration of inner silence, the silence people experience in their individual lives,” says the Buenos Aires native.

Featured prominently along with the 12 abstract paintings in Marini-Genzon’s exhibit is a sculptural installation with balled-up pieces of paper suspended in transparent tubes of tulle.



“I was walking around Santa Barbara, and this shopping bag someone was throwing out caught my eye. It was filled with patterns, the kind people use to make dresses,” Marini-Genzon recalls.

The trove of patterns would probably strike most people as junk, but to Marini-Genzon, who describes her work as a constant search for meaning, it was inspiration.

“While creating sculptures and paintings, I try to suggest a story, not only of the moment but also of an entire life,” she says. “Not only of what we can see, but what is invisible.”

— Pauline.OConnor@latimes.com

After this experience, I continued exploring this field.

Below, Ana’s installation piece Silence…







HP: You’ve created paintings of women in boats and deep waters, swimmers, a woman in a tub – is water theme for you, mean something in particular?

AMG: The water, the swimmers, and the women with water polo caps are like codes or symbols that represent endurance.

A while ago, I observed water polo players—a mixed group of boys and girls—in action. Players have to keep themselves up on the surface all the time by vigorously moving the entire body, especially their legs. Simultaneously, they must keep themselves up and play a good game.

I decided the water polo cap was a gear element to be included in my paintings, especially in paintings depicting female images. By comparing this sport and the need for survival—sometimes on a daily basis—I created a series of images that intend to convey that message.

Sunset Tide


HP: People versus scenes or abstracts – is the style or type determined by the idea, a feeling, or an instinct?

AMG: People versus scenes/ abstract…

Most of the time my artwork has an image of one or more subjects representing a specific feeling or situation. However, I feel that colors and shapes, patterns and textures combined in certain way, suggest or carry a strong message as well. From time to time I create abstract images. At other times I may create a totally abstract background with one or more images of people in front of it.

In general I have a constant flow of ideas for my art. Sometimes I may not be able to work on the painting, sculpture or installation work right away simply because I am away from my studio like when I travel or I am watching a movie, or a show like Cirque du Soleil, where you cannot take pictures or record. Immediately after a situation like this, I sketch some images, write notes about colors, etc. Then whenever it is possible, I use my sketchbooks as a reference and develop the ideas to take them to higher level.

Over the year I have put together lots of sketchbooks. This helps me when it comes to document specific situations, or to revisit ideas from the past.

When I start a painting, I have a good number of ideas regarding what I want this painting to say or represent. However, when I am working on them I try to let the paintings lead me.

Woman’s Head


HP: What is your favorite time of day and, if you don’t have a prior commitment, what do you like to do with it?

AMG: My favorite time of the day is the morning. If I have the time, I like to walk up and down my neighborhood on the Arroyo Saco, walk in the direction of Millard Canyon, go swimming at the gym, or ride my bike down to the Rose Bowl. Then I like to dive into my studio, turn on the music, and work on my art.

HP: Least favorite chore?

AMG: Washing dishes – I LOVE my dishwasher!

HP: What have you experienced or learned during the course of your life that has become a core life lesson or value that is essential to who you are?

AMG: Having a purpose in life and keeping at it: work hard, as nothing comes easily; care for my family and love ones; and appreciate every day as a new day full of opportunities and making the best of it!

White Feathers


HP: If you have a whole day off and you get to spend it in Pasadena, Altadena, or anywhere in the San Gabriel Valley, what would do, where would you go, what would you eat?

AMG: In Pasadena, I would spend my day riding my bike to Old Town and grabbing something yummy to eat or a fresh smoothie. I would go to the movies, visit a bookstore, have a coffee, and read. Meet with family and friends.

There is so much to do in this area that there is never enough time to catch up!

I remember when I first moved to Pasadena, everything was under construction—a large section of Colorado Boulevard was covered with wooden panels and everything closed early in the evening.

Growing up in Buenos Aires and having visited places in Europe where venues are open late, seeing this in Pasadena made me wonder about my decision of moving here. I was kind of shocked.

Fortunately, over the years Pasadena has became such an amazing place with concerts and shows in parks or public venues, museums, movie theatres, great restaurants, and great outdoors activities.

I love Pasadena/Altadena—and this whole area on general!!

Ana Marini-Genzon; photo by Ricardo Genzon, Rail Productions


~~~

To learn more about Ana Marini-Genzon and see more of her work, please visit AMGart.com.

Ana is represented by:
Jorge Mendez Gallery in Palm Springs, CA
JorgeMendezGallery.com
Wilde Meyer Gallery in Scottsdale, AZ
Wilde Meyer Gallery in Tucson, AZ
WildeMeyer.com
Artamo Gallery in Santa Barbara, CA
ArtAmo.com
Gloria Delson Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, CA
GDCAGallery.com
Gallery 381, San Pedro, CA
TangoSanPedro.com/GALLERY
The Loft at Liz in Los Angeles, CA.
TheLoftAtLizs.com
Lola Mora Gallery in Echo Park, CA

White Harmony (white porcelain with child size violin), created for the Zimmer Children’s Museum

Awards and Residencies

Premi Internacionazionali delle Arti “Memoria Lucia Martinez” 2004- 2008 Asociacion cultural Ruiz Aznar – Granada, España. 2004-2008

Diploma de Accésit – Premio Concurso Internacional de Artes Plásticas ” Compositor Antonio Guada” Granada, España. 2005

Ana was selected to participate in residencies in Naples Italy, and in Barcelona, Spain.

 
 



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Artist Opening: Ana Mariniby Society 805 StaffPublished in Visual ArtsBe the first to comment! 

•        

Ana Marini

June 3 - June 21, 2015
 

Sunset Tide oil and acrylic on canvas 48" x 48"
MEET ARTIST ANA MARINI AT THE OPENING RECEPTION THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 5–8 PM

"Secret Journeys" presents the latest paintings by Ana Marini who originally comes from Buenos Aires, Argentina, now living and working in Los Angeles, California. She studied art in Buenos Aires and Los Angeles. By applying a metaphorical language, Ana Marini creates works that can be seen explicitly as a personal search in life. Her works appear as dreamlike images in which fiction and reality meet, meanings shift, past and present fuse. Time and memory always play a key role. By referencing metaphors and symbolism, she creates intense personal moments conceived by rules and omissions, acceptance and refusal, luring the viewer into their own significances. About her work she says: "My art is about people and the way they experience their lives. I intend for my artwork to reflect emotions and thoughts. While creating sculptures and paintings, I try to suggest a story, not only of the moment but also of an entire life. Not only of what we can see, but what is invisible to the eyes. Art is always a mirror. That is why it is so powerful. It speaks not only about my subject, but also speaks about my perceptions. I go deep inside myself searching for answers about human relations in this fast and ever changing world." Her romantic inclination towards the tragic, the sublime and the magical, aesthetic categories lingering between projection and perception, coherence and chaos is the reason that her works are described as "Magical Realism".

Artamo Gallery
11 West Anapamu Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805)568-1400
www.artamogallery.com
Tuesday–Sunday, 12:00–5:00 PM
First Thursday until 8:00 PM and by appointment only.


- See more at: http://www.society805.com/arts-culture/visual-arts/item/446-artist-opening-ana-marini#sthash.KfZcs5qx.W6L69dPM.dpuf

Ana Marini​ Red Flags
Everyone should have a piece of art in their home that inspires them, reminds them of a journey, a heartbreak, etc…well, I am lucky enough to own a painting that is all of those things, in one! 

This painting tells a story, my story. Red Flags. Gosh, how many of those have I swam past, headed straight into trouble? The three squares define my favorite number by count, but not by shape; representing a favorite quote (of my own), "I can have it all, just not all at the same time.". The woman is wearing a water polo helmet, and from what I know about water polo, there is a constant fight, an underwater battle, and a determined effort to keep swimming at all costs…reminding me of another of my favorite quotes "Keep Moving!!". And lastly, but perhaps most importantly, the first time I saw this painting in the window of ARTAMO Gallery, I was captivated by the texture and depth of the piece. This painting brought inspiration for my exploration into creating pieces that are full of dimension & texture, movement & contrast. I walked by this painting 100 times before I finally poked my head into the gallery to inquire about the artist. Once I learned about her process and her "story", I was even more captivated! Thank you, Ana Marini!

• JILL PADILLA VACCARO

Open Studios

SUNDAY'S FEATURED ARTIST

Ana Marini-Genzon

Ana’s work is a conversation in color inspired by the intricacies of nature. Through painting, she explores color, process and texture, as her goal is to create a surface, not just paint one. Ana’s art is about people and the way they experience their lives. Her artwork reflects emotions and thoughts. While creating sculptures and paintings, she suggests a story, not only of the moment but also of an entire life, not only of what we can see, but what is invisible to the eyes. Art is always a mirror. That is why it is so powerful. Ana’s work speaks not only about her subject, but also speaks about her perceptions. In the process of expressing the mood of the subject's substance, Ana constantly goes deep inside herself searching for answers about human relations in this fast and ever changing world.

JORGE MENDEZ GALLERY 756 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GROUP OF 7: CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ARTISTS

March 14th – April 30th

Opening Reception to be held on Saturday, March 14th, 6-9pm


756 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262 www.jorgemendezgallery.com



Palm Springs – The Jorge Mendez Gallery brings together 7 contemporary international women artist in celebration of the International Women’s Day. The Group of 7 artists are Ana Marini-Genzon (Argentina), Barbara Gothard (United States), Ruth Gonzales (Mexico), Marianela de la Hoz (Mexico), Claudia Mazzucchelli (Argentina), JanaNicole (London).

The Group of 7 are also participating in the Global IWD Women’s Arts Initiative where their artworks will be published on March 8 (womensdayinternational.com) The Global International Women’s Day (IWD) Women’s Arts initiative was established in 2011 to celebrate the



creative ability of women. 2011 saw 100 years since the first International Women’s Day was held, so to mark the Centenary, the Women’s Arts Initiative was launched.

International Women’s Day is celebrated in March, beginning on March 8th. The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911 and the UN, along with other organizations, support events to mark the economic, political, creative and social achievements.

Barbara Gothard, her paintings are an investigation of contradiction and expansion, creating complex spatial relationships juxtaposing the organic with the abstract, always balancing obstacles with hope. She draws her inspirations from her changing environments against the backdrop of her historical influences: Hieronymus Bosch’s use of fantastic imagery and placement: the Dutch Masters and Vermeer in particular with his masterly treatment and use of light; the elegant and decorative elements created by Gustav Klimt; Georgia O’Keeffe’s contoured forms replete with subtle transitions of varying colors; and Magritte’s ability to place ordinary objects in unfamiliar spaces. Each of these influencers contributes to her inner vision as an artist.

Ana Marini – Genzon, her art is about people and the way they experience their lives. She intends for her artwork to reflect emotions and thoughts. While creating sculptures and paintings, she tries to suggest a story, not only of the moment but also of an entire life. Not only of what we can see, but what is invisible to the eyes. She thinks that art is always a mirror, and that’s why it is so powerful. Her paintings speak not only about her subject, but also about her perceptions. In the process of expressing the mood of the subject's substance, she constantly goes deep inside herself searching for answers about human relations.

Marianela de la Hoz, with her work De la Hoz invites the observers into a miniature world with a magnifying glass to come closer to discover the fine details, and once they are near they will remain captive, getting inside and enlightening the mechanisms of their conscience, giving them the opportunity to fix their eyes in those details we often leave unnoticed. De la Hoz analyzes every painting without moral judgments, she only observes its composition, and hence the small formats – as if to say size is not what really matters in a work of art. Her audience is captivated by the minuscule details that are the reflex that builds little by little much like one’s own life. 

Claudia Mazzucchelli, in her work we learn that the concept of "Immobility/perfection" raises the brazen attribute of her female characters with the sense that perfection is not divine, but human. Through her paintings, she leads us to the hypotheses of the antithesis, exposing the ironies and the humor of them all. Her characters are disturbing muses with half closed, huge almond shaped eyes and pursed mouths, some crossing their legs in gestures almost sacrilegious in relation to what’s allowed in contemporary art. Yet, they all seem to smile a surreptitious smile, as if in between the lines of humor – very much like girls whispering in the presence of strangers.

JanaNicole, formally trained as an artist at the California University of Northridge, she furthered her studies at the American College of Fine Art, London during the mid-eighties before returning to her native roots and the desert that inspired her. Regular private commissions and juried exhibitions have followed and for the past 15 years she has been living in England, currently residing in the picturesque village of Wilmington, nestling in the Sussex Downs, where she continues to sell her works.

Ruth Gonzales, she studied painting early in 1980’s at the Museum Academy of Bellas Artes in Mexico with masters of the abstraction such as Gustavo Ozuna and Mario Moreno Zazueta. Her personal development as an artist has been essentially experimental including her missionary days in western states of Mexico. The act of discovery has motivated her to paint, mixing textures, colorful raw pigments with oils applied in many layers. Painting as an active meditation in the pursuit of art itself crosses boundaries of cultures thus remaining integral to ones roots.

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JORGE MENDEZ GALLERY

756 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
Thursday - Monday: 11 AM – 5 PM; Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays 760.656.7454 | www.jorgemendezgallery.com
Contact: Jorge Mendez | jorge@jorgemendezgallery.com