Press Release

“The Art Show” at Bella Blu Restaurant presents
“Another Reality”, contemporary folk art by
Robbin Robertson and lush paintings by Luis Abreux

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   The work of two artists will be featured when “The Art Show” opens Friday, November 16, 2007 with a reception from 5 - 7 p.m. at Bella Blu Restaurant in Frenchtown, St. Thomas. Come meet and be charmed by Robbin Robertson and her contemporary folk art.  Robbin will also present the lush and alluring paintings of her friend and colleague, Cuban artist Luis Abreux. 

Robertson is represented by Gallery St. Thomas. The Art Show coordinator Claire Ochoa says, "Robbin’s frequent trips to the Virgin Islands inspire her joyful multimedia work. She uses traditional Caribbean imagery and landscapes in fresh and nontraditional ways. Robertson plays simple figures against a sophisticated pallete, often adding 3-D elements to her compositions. This collection exudes a happy yet poignant take on island life.” 

Luis Abreux was born in 1971 in Havana, Cuba, where he graduated from the Academia de Arte San Alejandro. He has lived in Austin, Texas since 2005 where he met Robertson. His work resonates in a powerful and visceral way, attracting the attention of both island and mainland collectors.

“Fantasy is part of reality in Cuba,” Abreux says.  “We are a happy, joyous people by nature, and through fantasy we keep that spirit alive in spite of shortages and lack of opportunity. For Cubans, deprivation equals creativity.”  Abreux has created art since childhood. His striking use of color contrasts with deft and subtle undercurrents evoking the tension between aspiration and restriction. 

Robertson comes from a long line of folk artists and a home steeped in the artistic tradition. Her folk art-inspired paintings and found-object creations are further informed by her world travels and, in turn, have found their way into collections in the Caribbean, New York, Florida, California and Mexico as well as throughout Texas. 

"Another Reality" is the sixth exhibit for 2007 in “The Art Show” series at Bella Blu Restaurant in Frenchtown. It will open November 16 from 5-7 p.m. with an art lover’s reception featuring Wente wine and appetizers.  All work is for sale.  The exhibit will be on view until January 3, 2008 and is open to the public.  For more information contact “The Art Show” coordinator, Gallery St. Thomas at 340-777-6363 or online at www.GalleryStThomas.com.

See here the images of work by Robbin Robertson (Magens) and Luis Abreux: (Hope)
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Claire Ochoa, Gallery St. Thomas
P. O. Box 6467, St. Thomas, VI  00804
Phone:  (340) 777-6363  Cell: (340) 643-6363   Fax:  (340) 774-9440
Email:  <art@gallerystthomas.com>