Untitled

This 7.75 inch x 7.75 inch work is by the artist, Haley Prestifilippo. This graphite artwork presents a striking contrast between detailed and abstract elements. In the upper left corner, there’s a cluster of leaves, showcasing intricate lines and shading. This portion of the drawing is very detailed, giving it a sense of realism. There is another realistically rendered patch of foliage, positioned roughly in the center but much closer to the bottom edge of the work. There is another depicted texture close to these two areas of foliage; it appears to be some sort of wall or structure that has defined ridges but then disappears behind the areas of dense leaves. Peaking out from the bottom cluster of leaves, is a corner of what is presumed to be a window, an addition that aids in making that ridged, straight edge texture look like it could be representative of a wall or structure. The rest of the image, however, is filled with softer, abstract shapes that resemble clouds or smoke. These shapes lack distinct form, creating an ethereal and dreamlike quality that contrasts with the detailed foliage. The artwork is monochromatic, utilizing various shades of grey to create depth and dimension. The frame is black, and the matting is grey, which further accentuates the artwork.

Originally from Augusta, GA, Haley Prestifilippo earned her BFA in studio art with a concentration in painting from the University of Notre Dame followed by her MA in studio art with a concentration in painting and printmaking from Eastern Illinois University. She moved to Oklahoma in 2011 and is an active supporter of the vibrant arts community here. Her work currently focuses on drawings, often combining abstraction and realism while experimenting with mediums and surfaces. She is fascinated by unseeable phenomena often described through theories in physics, especially regarding the existence of matter and the concept of time as it relates to human experience and relationships. She also has a deep interest in drawing textures and creatures of the natural world, which often appear in her work. She has been the recipient of several awards including the Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition Fellowship, and her work has been exhibited in many national and international shows.