Artist of the Month - April - Eric Kollin

Eric Kollin is an artist/Illustrator, who resides in Riverdale, NYC.  He has studied at SUNY Purchase and the School of Visual Arts and has painted and exhibited locally.  Eric has also been involved inthe helping to promote local artists as a co-chair of the Riverdale Art Fest.

His work can seem playful and humorous but often covers a darker message or feeling.  He uses 20th Century Icons and characters from holidays, advertising, old toys, and folklore, to express ideas, joys, moods, or fears. These characters have an aesthetic beauty that often seems in contrast to the themes expressed, including the struggle of power relationships, the urge to break free, and the contradiction of beauty and brutality.  Within an image, he tries to place the viewer in the moment of tension or struggle. Presently, he has been trying to capture moments of feline magic. Cats seem to embody beauty, danger, grace, playfulness, love, and distain all at once.

The primary medium is Acrylics on Illustration Board or Canvas Board. The ideas usually start as a napkin sketch or photo reference. His studio can be a corner of a room, a cafe, a park, or wherever he can put down pencils and paints.

Press

Bronx News 12 - It’s Gonna Get Messy

Riverdale Press - A Creative Outpouring: Turning a Mess into Art

Riverdale Press - the Faces of An Beal Bocht

Riverdale Press - Kingsbridge Artist Brings Icy Perspective to Photos

Riverdale Press - Look Closer: Human Figures, In a New Way at An Beal Both Cafe

Riverdale Press - An Beal Bocht Opens Doors to Creepy Babies