First Street Gallery is pleased to announce a new exhibition of recent work by Rallou Malliarakis from October 8th through November 2nd. The two largest paintings are featured in the title of this show, Compositions with Birches. In both paintings, Malliarakis presents the birch tree as a dynamic theme in nature, larger than life and aesthetically compelling. The artist looks at these remarkable creations in a forest setting, rendering them from a close-up point of view. Focusing on fragments or sections of natural forms rather than depicting panoramic vistas is of significant importance in Malliarakis' approach to landscape painting. What results from her uncompromising eye and sure hand are two startling images, rich in texture and vibrant color, mysterious in their own right.

Also exhibited are smaller works covering a range of topics including additional landscapes, still-life paintings, and portraiture. Whether the format is large or small, what distinguishes Malliarakis' style is a bold use of color, clarity of light, and a graphic sense of pictorial design, all of which endeavor to draw the viewer into the artist's personal experience.

Click here to see additional work by Rallou Malliarakis