Bankwell in New Canaan is pleased to present The Garden of Eden, an exhibition of collages by Eden Lucien Neleman. The opening reception will be held on Wednesday, September 7th, 5:30- 7 pm and the show will be up until October 31st. Based on photographic self-portrait studies and original and found imagery of flowers and waves, Eden’s work luminously inhabits the space between abstraction, representation and the transcendent. Her photography and collage work combine themes of the emotional and visual self, with elements of nature.

The process involved in the creation of each of Eden’s works is multi-layered, using her self portrait as a starting point onto which she pastes hand-cut imagery – of flowers, leaves, waves and other natural elements. Eden purposefully shied away from using computer generated or digital techniques, thereby producing a textural three -dimensional effect, void of any artificial enhancements. The refreshing and straightforward collages have an unassuming capability of inviting and transporting the viewer into a spontaneous investigation of a sixteen-year old artist‘s world.

Eden Neleman applies different modes of experience and being to the work, expressing emotions through cut flowers and ocean waves that flow through and from the portraits of her “self”. She creates mini worlds: green tonal ranges reflecting the earth and blue notes mirroring water from the ocean. The images fluctuate between explosive chaos and well-designed order.

These works evoke a very fresh and young perspective on the tradition of collage and photography. They also project images from the soul of a budding artist, one who is not afraid to offer us insight and sheer visual enjoyment by offering us a gaze into her “garden” full of art.

When asked about her future goals Eden, who is interested in psychology says: “My aspiration is for art never to leave my life and I will always make time for it. I believe art has the power to calm one’s psyche and to inspire others.”

Eden Lucien Neleman (2000) is a Junior at New Canaan High School. In 2014 her work was selected for the Annual Members Show in the Carriage Barn in New Canaan. She is a member of The Silvermine School of Art, The Westport Arts Center, and The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum in Ridgefield. This will be Eden’s first solo show in New Canaan.