A muted color acrylic and oil pastel of an androgenous subject with Modigliani eyes, Ornette, 2024 by African American artist Bai is an enigmatic portrait made on 15” x 11” etching paper. The muted tones, dominated by earthy shades, are rich in texture.
Ornetta remains a quiet, mysterious portrait that invites reflection and interpretation. The subject's eyes in the style of Modigliani are almond-shaped and slightly asymmetrical, with a deep, introspective gaze that draws the viewer in. The figure's features blur the boundaries of gender.
Ships unframed.
In the artist's words:
"Colour becomes symbols I use to reflect emotional stages that humans experience – reds for the violent past, blues, greens for the peace to come, and yellow and oranges for the bright future ahead. The latter is not guaranteed in my paintings. However, I think it is attainable in life." ~Carl Karni-Bain (BAI), Harlem, New York City
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Artist's Bio:
For three decades BAI (Carl Karni-Bain) 1959- has exhibited regularly in the San Francisco Bay Area, North Carolina, and New York City. As an artist in over two dozen international art fairs since 2003, BAI has garnered an audience worldwide. In 2013 Thelma Golden, Director of The Studio Museum of Harlem selected BAI as one of the top 10 artists working in Harlem, New York City. He was also selected as one of the top 50 artists living in Manhattan.
In 2022 Bai’s work was selected and sold at a Christie’s auction 100 Years of Harlem: Resonating Around The World.
Bai's work is in private and public collections, including the University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC, The Harrison Museum of African American Culture, Roanoke, VA, among others.
Carl Karni-Bain's work has been included in numerous international art fairs including Miami, London, New York City, Hong Kong, and San Diego.
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