One of my favorite galleries in Charlotte is The New Gallery of Modern Art. I love director Irina Toshkova’s eye and the exciting artists and exhibitions she brings to town. I cannot wait to see the exhibition opening this evening “After the Storm” featuring works by Stephanie Hirsch. I am always drawn to works of art that reveal the intricacy of detailed work such as textile art, embroidery and beading. My husband often refers to me as “annoyingly optimistic” and these works totally resonated with my “glass half full” perspective on life….even when the glass is pretty empty. I loved this quote from the press release, “Taking the ups and downs of life, and seeing the usefulness in both, her words are informed by the universal life occurrences of being a mother, maintaining a career, and pursuing happiness in it all.”
Through exquisite artistry and skillful combination of media, Hirsch displays her heart, not on her sleeve, but on her canvases. She fills shaped canvases, measuring up to 5 feet by 4 feet, with a majestic bed of flowers that serves as an appealing resting place for her spiritually infused, stirring adages. Every inch of the canvas contains innumerable tiny beads that form her compositions. 
In her words: “Mental and physical blockages in life are often self-inflicted, both literally and figuratively. I explore my journey through life as a quest to uncover the truth around me and to express my position through the multifaceted meanings inherent to the words we use and actions we do.”
The beautiful aesthetics of the floral arrangements interspersed with circle-of-life motifs and the subtle sparkling of the beading, will bring a smile to your face. While the quips will bring a second thought to your mind, as you question whether to experience life with the glass half full or half empty.
Hirsch has exhibited throughout New York, the Hamptons, Miami, and Los Angeles. In 2015, she was awarded an artist residency at the P3 Studio at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, curated in partnership with Art Production Fund. Given her background of a degree in costume design and founding and designing a resort fashion line for over 10 years, Hirsch’s work lends itself to the world of fashion and has therefore been featured in Miami Design District’s Art Walk, showcased in the Mercedes Benz VIP lounge at Lincoln Center during New York Fashion Week, and a commission by the iconic beauty brand Erno Laszlo to create a Crown for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee for display at Harrods, London. Hirsch currently lives and works in New York City.
NEW GALLERY OF MODERN ART
May 11th – Jun 24th
Charlotte, 435 S Tryon Street Suite 110
Opening Reception: Thursday, May. 11th, 6pm -8pm
For inquiries, contact irina.t@newgalleryofmodernart.com
For more design inspiration, please follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to Bespoke Banter. Thanks for visiting!
