Artist Statement – Penelope El-Dalati
“Forward Reflections”
While we are all in the midst of finding inner peace during times of so much conflict, I hope this collection of work helps to soothe all minds. “Forward Reflections” aims to evoke a feeling of a summer spent along the New Jersey Shore. The colors in the paintings are the translation of the sun filled days, the reflective pool waters, found beach treasures and hazy, sleepy afternoons spent outside. El-Dalati spent many summers along the Shore while growing up in the UK only to eventually move here full time. These paintings have the feeling of living a barefoot summer and a sense of calm, while holding the feeling of contentment all year round.=
The goldfish collection began in 2000, starting with photographing fisherman’s large bounties from catches off the waters off Belford, New Jersey. The reflective colors and masses of fish caught the artists eye and furthered an interest with all water themed works.
The subtle hints of a gentle summer are gestured with “Forward Reflections”, with a delicate color palette used to bring powerfully, positive paintings.
El-Dalati started her studies in 1997 at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, and moved to New York to complete her Bachelors of Fine Arts at the School Of Visual Arts in Manhattan in 2003. She furthered her studies at Yale School of Art to pursue a Masters in Fine Arts in 2007.