For Sofya Mirvis, Out of Place is a collection of mixed media artworks that range from collaged works on paper to landscape painting. Together, these works create a history of her artistic exploration over the years. The oscillation between narrative and landscape has been integral part of Sofya’s artistic process. In her works, the artist incorporates human presence or an artifact of human presence such as an imaginary bed or a forgotten mailbox. It gives additional context to the dream-like landscapes, offering a glimpse of someone or something trying to find their place, either peacefully or chaotically, evoking emotional depth, blending abstract forms with vivid color palettes that draw viewers into a world of introspection.

Artist: Sofya Mirvis. A place To Rest. 2022, oil, collage and mixed media on wood 9''xl2"

“As a first-generation immigrant artist, I have often struggled to find my place within society and have explored this feeling through my work,” Sofya shares her personal insights and story. “Over the years, I found that many others, no matter their background, often shared the same feeling. What makes us feel that way and why are we always on a quest to find our ‘place’? What will happen when we get there? And, what if we are already there?”

Mirvis’ work delves deep into the realm of surrealism, blending abstract forms with a vivid color palette to create emotionally charged pieces that compel viewers to reflect on themes of identity where the humans and objects are traveling among these scenes, trying to find their place in the world. Her airy landscapes offer a resting place from this ongoing quest for recuperation and regaining traveler’s strength to continue their journey. Her paintings capture a sense of fluidity and transformation, inviting the audience to explore the boundaries of their perceptions.

Complementing Mirvis' vibrant canvases, Wendy Osterweil's woodblock prints stand out with their meticulous craftsmanship and rich textures. Each piece is a testament to her skill and creativity, offering a tactile experience that draws viewers into a detailed world of patterns and motifs.

Wendy’s intricate cut woodblock prints complement this with their meticulous craftsmanship and rich textures, offering a tactile dimension that invites close examination. Each piece in the exhibition challenges perceptions and encourages a dialogue about the themes of displacement and belonging.

Artist: Wendy Osterweil. Tenuous Hold. 2024, woodcut print 18''x 18'', framed

Wendy Osterweil’s work adds a profound dimension to the exhibition, highlighting themes of displacement and the search for place in a constantly shifting world. For her, Out of Place has a special meaning, a connection with her Ashkenazic Jewish grandparents, who arrived to the United States from Eastern Europe in the early 20th century in search for safety and who worked their way to find their place in this country. Today Wendy continues their legacy, which she carries within her and reflects in her creations and art.

“As humans we are search for a place of belonging where we feel supported, understood, acknowledged in a community of common interests, goals and hopefully love. How and where does one develop a sense of belonging? Our conditions are mutable, and often tentative. Yet we need to feel in place or of a place,” says Wendy about her vision and the way she feels about belonging and finding your own place. “Belonging is what we create out of where we are for however long we are here.  My artwork emerges directly from my relationships with friends, family, from daily walks in the Wissahickon woods, our northwest Philly neighborhood and many other places.”

Together, Mirvis and Osterweil present a compelling dialogue on the complexities of existence and the ever-changing landscape of human experience.

The opening reception of "Out of Place" on June 8th, 2024, was a testament to the exhibition's impact and the community’s appreciation for contemporary art. The event brought together art enthusiasts, collectors, and curious minds, all eager to engage with the artists and their work. Attendees had the unique opportunity to converse with Mirvis and Osterweil, gain insights into their creative processes and the inspirations behind their pieces, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and immerse themselves in the profound and visually stunning works on display.

Out Of Place Exhibition. Opening reception.

• Out Of Place Exhibition. Opening reception. Out Of Place Exhibition. Opening reception.
• Artist: Sofya Mirvis Artist: Sofya Mirvis
• Artist: Wendy Osterweil Artist: Wendy Osterweil
• Artist: Sofya Mirvis Artist: Sofya Mirvis
• Artist: Wendy Osterweil Artist: Wendy Osterweil
• Artist: Sofya Mirvis Artist: Sofya Mirvis
• City Arts Salon City Arts Salon
• Artist: Sofya Mirvis Artist: Sofya Mirvis
•  

The reception was a celebration of the artists' talents and a vibrant gathering that underscored the importance of contemporary art in fostering dialogue and understanding within the community, reflecting and shaping societal narratives. This exhibition is a must-see for anyone interested in the transformative power of art to challenge and inspire.

SOFYA MIRVIS, Mixed Media Artist

Follow Sofya Mirvis

Sofya Mirvis creates diverse mixed media experiences with a unique blend of painting and collage. Carefully selected images and media layers create subtle and often personal narratives harkening back to her childhood in Russia.

Sofya is fascinated with the influence of nature and culture on the human psyche. She blends color, gesture, natural elements and collage imagery to achieve an ethereal dream-like quality in her works, allowing her to delve deep into a world of emotive association through these unexpected visual interactions.

Born in Moscow, Russia, Sofya holds a BFA from Tyler School of Art and Architecture and an MFA from The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Her works are widely exhibited and can be found in numerous collections in the US and abroad. She has been featured in publications such as Gallery & Studio Arts Journal, Manufactured Dissent, WXPN's 10 Best Album Covers, Philadelphia ArtBlog and DC Modern Luxury.

To learn more, visit bio.site/sofyaspace.

ABOUT Wendy Osterweil

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Wendy Osterweil (MFA, University of Wisconsin-Madison) is a printmaker/textile artist who exhibits her artwork nationally. As an Art Educator she taught for over 35 years in a variety of venues including: universities, schools, artist residencies, workshops,conferences, community arts and after school programs.

Wendy taught professional art education development and studio workshops, including Arrowmont School of Art and Crafts (summer 2019). She co-founded Prints Link Philadelphia in 2009, a coalition of diverse art teachers and teaching artists who share the enjoyment and versatility of printmaking with students of all ages.

Retired (aka “rewired”)from her Associate Professor position at Tyler School of Art/Temple University, she is a full-time printmaker/textile artist who creates woodcut prints and also works extensively with natural dyes on cloth to make unique wearable art. Her studio is at Herman Street Studios in the Germantown section of Philadelphia. 

To learn more, visit wendyosterweil.com

ABOUT City Arts Salon

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City Arts Salon is a contemporary art gallery and alternative exhibition space for visual and performing artists at all phases of their career. It was created by photographer Kenny White in 2011 to provide an alternative exhibition space for artists in all different phases of their careers who do not have exclusive relationships with galleries. Originally located in the Fishtown/West Kensington section of Philadelphia, the CAS is now hosted in Kenny’s spacious Germantown studio.

Two-person exhibitions have become a specialty of the CAS. Artist pairings are selected for work that is aesthetically complimentary (but not duplicative) and creates an interesting visual dialogue for the viewer. City Arts Salon brings together artists who have diverse followings so that participants can interact with new connections (artist-to-artist and artist-to-patron), and broaden their collector base.

In addition to visual arts of all kinds, the City Arts Salon presents a wide variety of performing artists, including musicians, poets, vocalists, and dancers

To learn more, visit cityartssalon.com