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In a world undergoing rapid transformations, contemporary art emerges as a powerful conduit for reflecting, questioning, and envisioning the dynamic complexities of our times. As we navigate the landscape of 2023, the importance of contemporary art has never been more pronounced. It serves as a mirror to society's diverse voices, an agent of change, and a catalyst for dialogue that transcends boundaries.

Contemporary art holds a mirror to society, capturing the myriad facets of our collective experience. It serves as a visual commentary on current events, societal shifts, and cultural undercurrents. Artists harness their creative prowess to address pertinent issues, whether the environment, social justice, identity, or technology's impact. In doing so, they prompt viewers to engage critically with their surroundings, fostering a heightened awareness of the world's complexities.

Furthermore, contemporary art stands as a bold agent of change, driving conversations that demand attention and action. American Contemporary Artist and Activist Shepard Fairey is a prime example. Artists often challenge prevailing norms and provoke thought through their creations. They confront us with uncomfortable truths, encouraging us to confront our biases and reconsider our perspectives. By doing so, contemporary art shapes the discourse around essential matters, propelling societies toward growth and transformation.

The intersection of technology and contemporary art in 2023 is particularly noteworthy. MOCA’s 2021-2022 exhibition, “Pipilotti Rist: Big Heartedness, Be My Neighbor,” is a perfect example. In the installation, Pipilotti Rist, an internationally renowned Swiss Visual Artist, presented the museum’s first net-zero carbon exhibition. Artists are embracing cutting-edge tools to create immersive experiences that blur the lines between reality and the virtual realm. Augmented reality, virtual reality, and interactive installations allow viewers to engage with art on an entirely new level. This fusion of art and technology not only redefines the artistic medium but also challenges traditional notions of exhibition spaces and audience interaction.
Contemporary art can also uniquely unite diverse voices and transcend geographical boundaries. In an interconnected world, artists draw inspiration from global cultures, amalgamating ideas, techniques, and narratives. This artistic cross-pollination fosters cross-cultural understanding, breaking down barriers and building bridges between communities that might otherwise remain isolated.

In a year marked by complex challenges and uncertainties, contemporary art provides solace, catharsis, and hope. Artists channel their emotions and responses into their creations, offering viewers a space for reflection and healing. Art becomes a means of processing shared grief, collective resilience, and the yearning for a better future. The emotional resonance of art has the power to forge connections and remind us of our shared humanity.

The importance of contemporary art in 2023 lies in its multifaceted nature—a mirror, a catalyst, a connector, and a visionary. It encapsulates the world's diversity, challenges, and aspirations, inviting us to engage with its messages and immerse ourselves in its narratives. Through its ever-evolving forms, contemporary art reflects the heartbeat of society, capturing the essence of our present while pointing the way toward the future. As we continue to navigate the complexities of this year and beyond, contemporary art remains a guiding light that ignites discussions, shapes perspectives, and empowers change.

Tara Kuhnert Hotchkis, Co-Founder Hotchkis Gallery

The artistic journey of Manfred H. Kuhnert, a revered Laguna Beach artist, is a testament to his willingness to explore new horizons and continually evolve his creative expression. One notable chapter in his artistic odyssey is the "China Series," which marked a turning point in his career as he delved into abstraction during his later years.

The "China Series" emerged as a departure from Kuhnert's earlier works, characterized by his meticulous attention to detail and captivating coastal landscapes. This transition showcased his capacity to embrace change and venture into uncharted artistic territories. Inspired by his travels and experiences in China, Kuhnert embarked on a visual exploration beyond traditional representation.

In this series, Kuhnert's paintings exude a sense of mystery and ambiguity, inviting viewers to decipher the layers of meaning within each piece. Abstraction becomes a vehicle for conveying emotions, memories, and impressions rather than merely capturing physical forms. Just as Chinese calligraphy captures the essence of words through fluid strokes, Kuhnert's abstract works capture the essence of his experiences through vibrant splashes of color and dynamic compositions.

The artist's use of color takes on new dimensions in the "China Series." Rather than adhering to a strictly representational palette, Kuhnert employs color as a means of conveying emotion and atmosphere. Vivid reds and rich gold, as in Kuhnert’s “An Expression of Shanghai,” evoke the energy of bustling Chinese markets, while tranquil blues and serene greens found in Kuhnert’s “Old Shanghai” reflect the peacefulness of natural landscapes. This manipulation of color demonstrates Kuhnert's mastery in infusing his work with emotional resonance.

Kuhnert's exploration in abstraction during his later years is not just a stylistic shift; it's a profound artistic evolution. This evolution is evident in his ability to communicate the essence of his subjects without being confined by the boundaries of realism. The "China Series" captures the spirit of his experiences and encounters, allowing viewers to interpret and connect with his art on a personal level.

While abstraction is often associated with departure from recognizable forms, Kuhnert's work maintains a deep connection to his earlier realism. Elements of his signature attention to detail still shine through, however, now interwoven with bold brushstrokes and a sense of spontaneity. This synthesis of styles creates a dialogue between the representational and the abstract, resulting in artwork that is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Kuhnert's willingness to explore abstraction in his later years speaks to his artistic fearlessness and desire to grow continuously. As artists mature, they often seek new avenues of expression that align with their evolving perspectives and experiences. The "China Series" showcases Kuhnert's adaptability as he bridges the gap between his familiar artistic vocabulary and the liberating world of abstraction.

Manfred H. Kuhnert's "China Series" stands as a testament to his willingness to embrace change and embrace abstraction during his later artistic journey. This collection is a reminder that art is a dynamic process that allows artists to push boundaries, reinvent themselves, and communicate through various visual languages. Kuhnert's exploration of abstraction in his later years adds yet another layer of depth to his artistic legacy, underscoring his commitment to both his craft and his personal growth.

Tara Kuhnert Hotchkis, Co-Founder Hotchkis Gallery

The world of art is a rich tapestry woven with diverse influences, techniques, and perspectives. As we delve into the works of three distinct artists—Manfred H. Kuhnert, Claude Monet, and Wassily Kandinsky—we discover a fascinating interplay between their approaches to capturing nature's essence. Each artist brings a unique perspective to their work, presenting landscapes and emotions in ways that resonate deeply with viewers.

Manfred H. Kuhnert, a renowned Laguna Beach Artist, became famous for his captivating coastal landscapes. Kuhnert's art exudes a palpable sense of tranquility and introspection. His careful attention to detail, combined with a masterful use of color, transports viewers to serene seascapes that feel almost dreamlike. When compared to the iconic Impressionist Claude Monet, it's clear that both artists share a passion for capturing the nuances of light and atmosphere.

Monet, a trailblazer of the Impressionist movement, is celebrated for his ability to capture the transient qualities of light in his artwork. His "Water Lilies" series, for example, displays a fascination with the interplay of light on water surfaces. Similarly, Kuhnert's coastal series, such as his painting “White Caps, Laguna Beach,” exhibit a comparable fascination, where sunlight caresses the waves, creating a dance of luminosity. Both artists use brushwork to convey the play of light, and their pieces transport viewers to moments of serene contemplation.

However, it's the departure from the realistic that sets Kandinsky apart from both Kuhnert and Monet. Wassily Kandinsky, a pioneer of abstract art, sought to evoke emotions through color and form, often transcending the confines of the tangible world. His vibrant and geometric compositions, like "Composition VII," engage viewers on a purely emotional level. In contrast, Kuhnert and Monet maintain a semblance of realism, anchoring their art in recognizable landscapes.

While Kuhnert and Monet tend to lean towards realism, their work also incorporates an element of mystery. Kuhnert often introduces surreal elements to his coastal scenes, inviting viewers to ponder the stories behind his compositions. Similarly, Monet's "Impression, Sunrise" leaves specific details to the imagination, prompting viewers to complete the narrative themselves. These open-ended qualities encourage engagement and interpretation, setting both artists' work apart from Kandinsky's more abstract approach.

In terms of technique, all three artists demonstrate their mastery of color theory. Monet's vibrant palette, especially in his series like "Rouen Cathedral," showcases his ability to convey changing atmospheres through color variations. Kuhnert, too, utilizes a diverse range of hues to capture the ocean's tranquility and drama, as viewed in Kuhnert’s work, “The Cliffs, Laguna Beach.” Meanwhile, Kandinsky's pioneering use of color expresses emotions directly without the constraints of representational forms.

The artistry of Manfred H. Kuhnert, Claude Monet, and Wassily Kandinsky presents a captivating journey through different artistic lenses. Kuhnert and Monet share an affinity for realism and a meticulous approach to capturing the interplay of light in their landscapes. Kandinsky, on the other hand, embraces abstraction to communicate emotions through color and form. While each artist's approach is distinct, their collective ability to evoke emotions and transport viewers speaks to the universal language of art—an enduring testament to the power of creativity and its impact on human perception.

Tara Kuhnert Hotchkis, Co-Founder Hotchkis Gallery

The paintings of Manfred H. Kuhnert are the work of a visionary artist with feet firmly placed within two connected artistic traditions. Born into a creative and formally trained family during interwar Germany, Kuhnert's practice is anchored in a modern European aesthetic. With an impressionistic heart to his work, he paints with bold and generous strokes, both linear and painterly. That generosity appears in the artist's achievement as a master colorist. In Kuhnert's hands, a typically bright impressionist's 'en plein air' palette is a reliably vibrant and electric affair made all the more vivid working under the California sun. His work offers a bold and modern contribution to the state's distinctive offshoot of American Impressionism and is a leading exemplar of the Laguna Beach branch of California Impressionism.

What strikes us most about Kuhnert's approach to painting is his use of action and energy. His thick, textured brush strokes are balanced with a sense of quiet through the calm and confident use of white space. The thrilling kinetic presence of the Pacific Ocean, one of Kuhnert's favorite subjects, is rendered majestic in foaming waves rolling onto the beach. That action is often fast and furious yet deep and languorous as Kuhnert's gaze also takes in the deeper waters. The effect is a simultaneous desire by the artist to stir and soothe.

These dynamics come into play again and again, notably in the palpable sense of climate conveyed by Kuhnert. Luminous in tone, these subtleties work with a palette that reaches for opposing sensations. Deep, cool blues and sharp whites offer a refreshing sensation that would dominate many of the artist's canvases were it not for the carefully composed but radiant moments of warmth that equally define his work. The heat rendered in one of Kuhnert's incandescent sunsets is a perfect companion to his masterful embrace of an oceanic feeling.

Carey Hotchkis, Christie's Auction House Alumna
Tara Kuhnert Hotchkis, Co-Founder Hotchkis Gallery

Manfred H. Kuhnert, a prominent Laguna Beach artist, has left an indelible mark on the art world through his brilliant, distinctive, and evocative artwork. His pieces reflect a blend of natural beauty, emotional depth, and a touch of surrealism, captivating viewers with their intricate details and thought-provoking narratives. Kuhnert's work primarily centers around landscapes and seascapes, often capturing the essence of the Southern Californian coast in his own unique style.

One of the defining aspects of Kuhnert's artwork is his masterful use of color. He exhibits a keen understanding of color theory, skillfully employing a palette that ranges from soft pastels to vibrant, bold hues. This proficiency allows him to evoke various moods and atmospheres within his compositions. In many of his coastal landscapes, such as his "View From Heisler Park, Laguna Beach," Kuhnert employs a harmonious blend of blues and greens to convey the serenity of the ocean while juxtaposing them with warm tones to depict the dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

The artist's attention to detail is another noteworthy characteristic that sets his work apart. Kuhnert's paintings often feature intricate textures, capturing the subtle nuances of waves crashing against rocks or the fine grains of sand on a beach. This meticulous approach draws viewers into his scenes, encouraging them to explore every inch of the environment he creates. The fusion of realistic details with elements of imagination ignites a sense of wonderment that is central to Kuhnert's artistic vision.

Furthermore, Kuhnert's paintings often contain an essence of mystery or surrealism. He has a penchant for infusing his compositions with unexpected details that challenge the viewer's perceptions, ranging from placing a solitary figure on a beach to gazing out into an expanse that seems to merge the line between reality and dreamscape. Such touches invite interpretation and encourage viewers to engage deeply with the narrative behind the artwork.

The interplay of light and shadow is a hallmark of Kuhnert's technique. He brings his seascapes and coastal series to life as he skillfully captures sunlight dancing upon the water, illuminating the surroundings with a luminous glow. The strategic use of chiaroscuro not only adds a sense of drama to his pieces but also serves to guide the viewer's gaze and highlight focal points within the composition.

Kuhnert's artistic evolution is also worthy of consideration. Over the years, his style has evolved while retaining its core essence. From his earlier, more traditional renderings to his later explorations into abstraction and interpretive forms, Kuhnert demonstrates a willingness to push artistic boundaries. This evolution showcases his passion, versatility, and dedication to his craft as he continued experimenting and growing as an artist throughout his life.

Manfred H. Kuhnert's artwork captivates audiences with his masterful and harmonious use of color, meticulous attention to detail, and imaginative narratives. His ability to blend realism with elements of surrealism results in a body of work that invites viewers to step into his world and engage in a dialogue with the stories he tells through his art. Kuhnert's legacy lies not only in his technical prowess but also in his capacity to evoke emotions and spark contemplation, making his contributions to the art world enduring and impactful.

Tara Kuhnert Hotchkis, Co-Founder Hotchkis Gallery

The works of Manfred H. Kuhnert are wonderful escapes to places ranging from Shanghai to Laguna Beach, as well as imaginary worlds constructed of heavy-handed gestures and abstract forms. No matter the subject matter, he expertly takes us to destinations that feel both distant and familiar. Even in his compositions that venture towards total abstraction, he manages to create the feeling of a specific place or state of mind and brings the viewer along as company.

Born in 1931 outside Dresden, the cultural capital of the then-Weimar Republic, Kuhnert's fascination with art began at a young age thanks to his artist mother, Baroness Gertrud Kob Von Urbensteadt, who was a graduate of the Dresden Academy of Fine Art. He went on to open an art gallery in Los Angeles in 1963 and, then Laguna Beach in the early 1980’s. Over the decades, Kuhnert established himself as a successful artist and prominent figure in the arts community.

A Closer Look At Our Favorite Works

As we will explore, Manfred H. Kuhnert's work expertly draws on many traditions in art history, but his voice remains robustly intact throughout his diverse body of work. To understand the beauty of his portfolio as a whole, let's hone in on just a few paintings that show the impressive range that Kuhnert held as a colorist, a landscape painter, a thinker, and a technically skilled artist.

In The Parker, Palm Springs, what appears to be a patio surrounded by umbrellas and massive palm trees fills the canvas; a sweeping arc that forms a pool's edge immediately captures the eye. Like much of his work, bold, heavy-handed brushstrokes build up the painting, but Kuhnert manages to imbue a certain lightness in the scene as if echoing the leisurely and airy summer atmosphere. Through subtle brushstrokes, he hints at loungers surrounding the pool; however, this is really up to the viewer's eyes, and he leaves much to interpretation. While it is a simple scene in ways, his visual language leaves quite a bit of space for imagination.

Much of his work builds upon the spontaneous, light, and airy legacy of the Impressionists—as we'll explore more in-depth below—but something about The Parker, Palm Springs also reminds us of the distorted yet pleasant landscapes of Vincent van Gogh. The light greens, rich blues, and dazzling instances of orange are symbols of Kuhnert's vivid interpretation of the world around him, akin to van Gogh. On a more formal note, the liberal use of short and curved dash-like brushstrokes also brings the Dutch artist to mind.

Another landscape painting by Kuhnert titled Summer Soiree also echoes the flexuous treatment of foliage and tree trunks that can be found in many of van Gogh's works.
Moving on, An Expression of Shanghai is a beautiful composition that ventures further into abstraction than many of his other works. Vibrant yellows, reds, and blues surround white forms that are empty spaces but still have a life of their own. This painting seems aptly titled; it hovers somewhere between a cityscape and a feeling one might have at a specific moment. In a way, the forms seem to exist as an impression that Kuhnert had as he observed the world around him; it gives a lovely insight into the sort of intimacy that Kuhnert felt with his surroundings.

Passionate Expression walks even further toward abstraction and clearly demonstrates his skill as a colorist without any distractions of subject matter. When looking at his extensive body of work, this painting exists on the far end of the spectrum of abstraction and has a rawness that doesn't surface in his dreamy Laguna Beach landscapes.

While his en plein air compositions and Post-Impressionist-esque vivid landscapes are perfectly captivating, we find this more extreme composition intriguing in its own way. His blacks, reds, yellows, and all-over composition remind us of the great Dutch-American Abstract Expressionist Willem de Kooning and the Action Painters more broadly. When thinking of this school that flourished in New York in the 1950s, images of artists moving around the canvas and using their whole arms to apply marks to the surface come to mind. That same energy is tangible in Passionate Expression.

A Body of Work That Pays Homage to Many Traditions

Many influences can be found in Kuhnert's rich and extensive œuvre. To start, the loose visual connection between Kuhnert and van Gogh mentioned above brings up a broader influence of Post-Impressionism in the German American artist's work.

Post-Impressionism, which began in the 1880s, is a grouping of artists who reacted against Impressionism and includes famous artists such as Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, and Georges Seurat. Although often mentioned as a reaction against the Impressionist movement, which was championed by Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Mary Cassat, and Auguste Renoir, the Post-Impressionists had some things in common with the former movement. For example, they both believed in the artificiality of the picture, which differed from other artwork of the time.

However, Post-Impressionists employed a more radical approach to color, often completely forgoing the natural deception of light and color in the world. At times, they used color independently from form and in quite symbolic ways. The Post-Impressionist subjective approach to painting also extended to perspective; flattened shapes and distorted views were common in the group. This aspect heavily resonates in Kuhnert's work in paintings such as Arches of Bougainvillea and Moonlight, Laguna Beach, in which the shapes push against each other in satisfying and poetic ways that ignore atmospheric and linear perspective. These compositions especially bring to mind the great French artist Paul Cézanne, who often employed a sense of contradicting perspective. Similarly, Kuhnert draws upon the Post-Impressionist tendency to use colors symbolically and intuitively.

In a way, Kuhnert beautifully bridges the two movements. His en plein air Laguna Beach landscapes, which are quite airy and tend to use more accurate perspectives, recall the natural brilliance of the Impressionists, whereas his intensity of color and subjective approach to landscape find a home with the Post-Impressionists. He also has works that draw upon both of these traditions equally.

Kuhnert's Beautiful Ode to California

Landscape painting is, of course, a well-established genre that countless artists have explored successfully. However, when examining artists such as Manfred H. Kuhnert, it is not just his evident skill at recreating a three-dimensional scene on canvas that captivates us; it is his ability to convey his deep connection and love of a place with each brushstroke. Like many talented painters, Kuhnert's skills as a colorist and technical artist allowed him to create landscape paintings with an effortless feel.

Kuhnert lived in Southern California for most of his life, founding his gallery in Los Angeles in 1963 and Laguna Beach in the early 1980s. The easy-going California atmosphere shines through in his work, from the calm Pacific waters to the scenes of oceanside leisure. While each work stands independently, there is also power in numbers here. His devotion to painting his Laguna Beach surroundings over and over contains its own sense of intimacy, as Claude Monet did with his beloved Giverny.

For example, in Moonlight, Laguna Beach, we see his unique perspective of the California coast. It's not clear what we're looking at, and that's okay; rather, it captures an interpretation of a time and place. Although the title suggests he depicts the ocean at night, the picture is as vibrant as his paintings of daytime scenes. The 'moonlight'—a few simple yet powerful white flat, wavy brushstrokes—succinctly conveys the intensity the California night can hold.

His latest works before his passing in 2019 feel like love letters to his long-time home, Laguna Beach. Although more straightforward in some ways than his more Abstract Expressionist works, it is touching that he spent his later career paying homage to his serene oceanside community. His love of Laguna Beach is obvious.

The Diverse and Powerful Art of Manfred H. Kuhnert

What we love about Manfred H. Kuhnert, in part, is how he draws upon so many rich artistic traditions while still carving out his own place in art history. Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Abstract Expressionism all have a genuine place in his style, but Kuhnert is not one or the other. Rather, he is a powerful blend of influences that demonstrates how he was a student of art history, as well as a witness and participant in some of the most exciting movements of the 20th century.

As with any artist, looking at the different phases of his work is fascinating and inspires questions about Kuhnert’s thoughts. It invites us to ponder what inspired him to paint a subdued feeling landscape at one point and a fiercely gestural abstract composition at another. However, there is a common thread between his undeniable technical skill, emphasis on atmosphere, and sense of specificity with places.

In this way, it is hard to define Manfred H. Kuhnert as he walks along the edges of many different movements. He was many things, including a devoted Laguna Beach artist, an expert colorist, and someone with a passionate eye for his surroundings. With each of his works, he takes us to a specific moment and reminds us of the intimacy that all of our surroundings hold.

Carey and Tara Hotchkis, Founders Hotchkis Gallery

Sunset at Woods Cove, Laguna Beach

Manfred H. Kuhnert's portfolio includes many landscapes of his beloved Laguna Beach, California, where he and his wife, Anna Flynn Kuhnert, maintained an eponymous gallery for an impressive 34 years.

One of these paintings is Sunset at Woods Cove, Laguna Beach, a vibrant work in which Kuhnert recreates the rocky cliffs meeting the water's edge at the picturesque location. Rock formations topped with greenery dominate the left side of the painting while the ebb and flow of the ocean tide fill the right. Above all of this sits an incredibly vivid and almost fiery sky, complete with a blazing sun that immediately draws the eye in. Cool greens, soothing blues, warm ambers, and rich purples fill the canvas, and intense orange emerges throughout.
When we look at Sunset at Woods Cove, Laguna Beach, our minds go to the light and vibrant landscapes of Paul Cézanne. There are many qualities in Kuhnert's work that echo the great French Post-Impressionist, who inspired other extremely influential artists like Matisse and Picasso.

Perhaps the most obvious link is the structural essence of this painting. Cézanne is well-known for making paintings with a structural yet abstract feel, which partly inspired subsequent movements such as Cubism. We see this dedication to structure in Kuhnert's work, too. Although seemingly gestural and quickly applied, each mark plays a specific role in creating a clear dimension in the seaside landscape. For example, an orange mark collides with a teal block to form an outcropping that expertly achieves specificity, although they are just dabs of paint. The cliffs feel like a jigsaw puzzle of marks that somehow fit together, although realistic perspective eludes the work; this illusion reminds us of Cézanne's famous Mount St. Victoire landscapes, in which he renders the picturesque mountain in blocks of color that maximize dimension while still maintaining a loose feel.

Additionally, Cézanne and other Post-Impressionists often painted with the underlying visual philosophy that color and form have the same pictorial weight. In this vein, he boldly juxtaposed colors and tones and treated light as its own object. We see this in Sunset at Woods Cove, too; Kuhnert treats the mist of the sea in the same structural way as the outcropping of rock, leveling everything to the same language. It is clear that he values all aspects of a landscape; no part of the painting feels forgotten, and Kuhnert elevates what other painters might overlook. Overall, this painting reveals not only Kuhnert's ability as a skilled colorist but as a passionate person able to translate a landscape into two dimensions while capturing the vividness of real life.

When looking at Sunset at Cove Woods, we don't wonder what season he depicts or what year he was painting. Rather, Kuhnert simply invites us into his interpretation of a moment in his life. He doesn't seem particularly invested in capturing a fleeting moment with painstaking accuracy and instead focuses on the underlying feeling and character of a place. In this way, the painting is timeless and leaves us with a powerful impression of Woods Cove.

Carey and Tara Hotchkis, Founders, Hotchkis Gallery

Carbon Beach Malibu is a bold contemporary work of California Impressionism. From the hand of visionary Laguna Beach artist Manfred H. Kuhnert, the Californian ‘en plein-air’ painting tradition continues. Typical of that tradition is the coastal landscape and fittingly a genre that is among Kuhnert’s most desired subjects. Here, an elevated view of Malibu’s Carbon Beach is painted in a manner that evokes a familiar sense of the Mediterranean through a stylistic lineage from French Impressionism. Warm, earthy tones capture the Southern California setting, and a sensation of sunbaked Pacific heat completes the local inflection.
 
Among the most engaging qualities in this painting is the careful composition around contrasting tones - between the earthy reddish qualities of the Malibu clay cliffs and the luminous blues and whites of the Pacific. Typical of Kuhnert’s practice is the heavy application of paint. His strokes modulate loosely throughout the image from generous and painterly moments when rendering the noisy, boisterous action of the ocean to a finer, much more delicate detail in the lines of the shoreline architecture. That careful approach to the urban setting in Carbon Beach Malibu perfectly captures the idea of Malibu as California’s beach city.
 
Kuhnert’s composition varies tone in vertical bands as we read the image from left to right. Emerging from the architectural shadows, we move towards the light, centered around the waves crashing on the beach before giving way to the dark and, again, shadowy regions of the deep blue sea. That progression is amplified in the sophisticated use of perspective, with the sky and ocean merging into a single entity as the land tapers away into the horizon. In Kuhnert’s hand, the effect is one of motion and energy, allowing the viewer to read the image in a motion that takes you out to sea and then pulled back to shore again and again. That circular motion echoes the ebb and flow of the Pacific at work.

Tara Hotchkis, Co-Founder Hotchkis Gallery