‘A quiet tension’

“FOGGY PEA” (combined media on linen), by Renée Khatami, in her show “Somewhat High Key,’’ at Prince Street Gallery, New York City, through Sept. 27.

The gallery says of this show:

“The artwork is composed of textured translucent layers that shift through space emanating a quiet tension. These pieces are created with paint, media, cut marks, and pencil on paper, wood, and canvas – evoking a subtly rendered atmosphere. The title refers to the muted palette – continuing the theme from her two previous solo shows at Prince Street Gallery, ‘Under Color’ and ‘Behind the Pale’.

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Mary Sargent, in “Two Coats of Paint”, said of Ms. Khatami:

“Her work perhaps conjures cross sections of geological strata, in which fragments of different shapes and colors float together until the aggregate hardens and settles into a lively new pattern. Ultimately, focusing on Khatami’s glimmering multilayered surfaces, the viewer begins to rise above the challenges of everyday life.” 

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For many years Ms. Khatami worked as an art director/book designer, specializing in artist’s monographs, and has authored/designed two multisensory color books for children.