"Like a beautiful sunset or a rainbow after a storm, my intention is to create paintings that instantly capture attention and then lure the viewer into a place of awareness, investigation, contemplation and ultimately, a sense of well being and happiness."
Kennedy Contemporary is thrilled to announce Moments of Joy, the highly anticipated second solo exhibition by renowned Santa Fe-based encaustic artist Amy Van Winkle. From September 11th through October 13th, the exhibition will showcase a collection of encaustic paintings that capture the fleeting yet profound moments of joy in everyday life.
Known for her mastery of the ancient encaustic technique, Amy Van Winkle has garnered international recognition for her ability to blend detail and minimalism in her work. Originally hailing from Boston and later Chicago, Van Winkle’s journey into the art world began after a successful career in advertising. Despite her early focus on drawing, sketching, and mixed media, she became captivated by the encaustic medium—a technique that dates back to the 5th century BC. This method involves layering 20 to 30 coats of pigmented beeswax onto a porous wood panel, with each layer heated and then scraped away, revealing mere hints of color and texture beneath the surface.
Van Winkle’s Moments of Joy series reflects her deep connection to her surroundings in Santa Fe, as well as her experiences traveling throughout Southeast Asia and her love of minimalist design. Her works are characterized by luminous color, clean lines, and captivating compositions that invite viewers into a space of contemplation and emotional resonance.
"My newest body of work, Moments of Joy, addresses those occasions in life that are unexpected and provide feelings of delight. Moments that come out of nowhere and fill your heart with joy. Like a beautiful sunset or a rainbow after a storm, my intention is to create paintings that instantly capture attention and then lure the viewer into a place of awareness, investigation, contemplation, and ultimately, a sense of well-being and happiness," says Van Winkle.
This exhibition is a must-see for art enthusiasts and collectors alike. Van Winkle’s works are not only visually stunning but also emotionally engaging, offering a unique exploration of joy through the lens of one of contemporary art’s most ancient mediums.
You are invited to join us for our opening reception on Thursday, September 12th, from 4 to 6pm. This is an exclusive chance to meet the artist and enjoy a glass of wine as you savor the new collection of work.
