Rachel Wilkins “No Limits” solo art show at John Allan’s Midtown
"No Limits" Rachel Wilkins and John Allan
photo by Victoria Brown
I went to John Allan’s hair salon to see Rachel Wilkins solo art show called “No Limits” on August 17th and I must admit it was not only a great show, but a great event. With over 400 people in attendance, John Allan’s was packed to the full and everyone seen to be having a good old time. There was also live acoustic by Ethan Hampton and custom fittings by Alexander West with an open bar provided by Ketel One. I actually had to go to another art show but I decided to stay a bit longer since I was having such a good time.
Ask Rachel Wilkins about her art and the answer is as simple as it is complex, “I want to create pieces that people want to touch.” The Liverpool, UK native who now resides in New York City says, “Going to galleries as a kid, you were always roped off from the art work. I’m not a person that likes boundaries.”
Rachel’s technique mimics her ‘no boundaries’ attitude. No paint brush or easel for Ms. Wilkins. To create her energetic pieces that boast rhythm and movement she works with her canvas from the floor. Her tools range from kitchen cutlery to natural resources such as leaves saying, “I don’t like the constraints of a paint brush. I would rather move the piece around and let it go where the movement takes it.” Influenced heavily by Jackson Pollock and the abstract expressionism of his era; Rachel draws much of her inspiration from these artists along with the backdrop of New York City’s eclectic art scene where you can also find her artwork on display. Rachel’s work has been exhibited throughout
galleries in Chelsea and Tribeca as wel as featured on MTV show, “Downtown Girl.” And USA Networks “Royal Pains”.
INSPIRATION FOR CURRENT SERIES – NO LIMITS
As an artist I have battled with the concept that my best work comes from a place of angst, with this series I wanted to create from a more peaceful place but with equal the conviction and vitality of previous works. I experimented with deeper shades of yellow, green amd magenta acrylics along with granular gells and glass beads to give dimension and depth to each piece but introduced white and lighter shades to create more peaceful, flowing works…My technique mirrored the title of the series in that there are no imitations in the process of creating these works, often working through the night until sunrise and using anything from kitchen utensils to bare hands to apply the paint.