Art 21 ProjectBy Olena Horodetska

"Untitled (Big Sea #1)," 1969Graphite on acrylic ground on paper, 34 X 45 in

"I try to make a piece that’s strong and thorough and doesn’t jump off the paper. It’s neither ocean nor a piece of paper. It becomes a third thing."- Vija Celmins

She is a master of organic pattern, her work is elegant, and her use of a black and grey palette is incredibly skillful in transpiring natural scenes.

“Untitled”, 2014, Olena Horodetska

I was fascinated with Vija’s ability to depict organic patterns in such a skillful manner and create a “third thing”. In my photograph I’ve used dog’s hair to make an illusion of erratic lines and shades. The image turned out to be quite abstract, and use of black and white colors accentuated its effect.

Production still from “Spirituality” (2001)James Turrell

“I want to create an atmosphere that can be consciously plumbed with seeing, like the wordless thought that comes from looking in a fire.”

James Turrell

Turrell’s works are fascinating explorations of light and space. Light is often a symbol of spirituality and higher purpose.

“Sun”, 2014Olena Horodetska

I’ve created this image inspired by works of James Turrell. I’ve attempted to capture the beauty of light, its illuminating properties and its ability to alter colors of surrounding objects. I’ve used the ultimate source of light – the sun, and tried to relay its vital power and beauty.

"Dead Plant, Barbed Wire, Palos Verdes, California”, (1983)Gelatin silver print,20x16 in

"I’d like to document what’s glorious in the West and remains glorious, despite what we’ve done to it. I’d like to be very truthful about that. But I also want to show what is disturbing and what needs correction.”

Robert Adams

In his photographs the artist reveals the impact of human activity on nature. Landscapes transformed by human presence are a powerful reminder of endless exploitation of nature by humankind.

“NO Invasion”, 2014

Olena Horodetska

This photograph is a depiction of human invasion into nature. The irony is that the sign that warns against it is an invasion itself. The flower which is sharply focused is a symbol of nature’s beauty and fragility.