Abstract art has the remarkable ability to transcend traditional boundaries and resonate with viewers on a deeply personal level. This was evident in the recent Blue Art Exhibition held at Artist Space Gallery, where two captivating sculptures by award-winning designer and entrepreneur Steve Stratis emerged as Best of Show winners. Titled ‘Liquescent’ and ‘Tides of Blu,’ these mesmerizing artworks capture the fluidity and serenity associated with the color blue.
Stratis’s use of contrasting tones, fluid VFX, and texture adds depth to his pieces, drawing the viewer into the piece. The fusion of these elements creates the illusion that the sculptural form is actually in the same physical space as the viewer.
His use of the color blue is symbolic of the ocean and its power to soothe, refresh, and rejuvenate. His abstract style allows the viewer to connect with the work on a more subjective level, reflecting their own emotions and experiences.
Born in Brooklyn, NY, he studied piano, theory and composition at the Atheneaum Conservatory (First Prize in Composition), Princeton University (Phi Beta Kappa, Toru Takemitsu Award, Summa Cum Laude) and the New England Conservatory (Toru Takemitsu Composition Fellowship, Dean’s Scholar). He is also an accomplished jazz pianist and has performed on Broadway, in the world premiere of ‘The Color Purple’ and as part of the acclaimed ‘Jazz at Lincoln Center’ series. He has cofounded music series across the east coast including Pentiment, a venue dedicated to exploring the intersection of composition and improvisation. He is a member of the multi-keyboard ensemble PrncX and has collaborated with artists such as Benjamin Lazar Davis, Kim Anderson, and Utsav Lal.
In WWE, he was the reigning Women’s Champion for one night after beating Lita at Bad Blood and then stopping her storyline husband Kane from chokeslamming her on Raw. At the following pay-per-view, Backlash, she lost the title to Jazz but would regain it again a month later at New Year’s Revolution after winning a tag team match against Hemme and Viscera.
During her time as the champion, she feuded with many of the top stars in the division. Most notable were her rivalry with Lita, which resulted in several memorable moments between the two women, as well as a stipulation at WrestleMania XIX in which Stratus had to defeat both Hemme and Jazz in a handicap match or lose the title.
As a result of this, ‘Tides of Blu’ is a celebration of the beauty and power of nature. Stratis expertly captures the ebb and flow of ocean tides in his mesmerizing piece, using contrasting tones, sculpting, and fluid VFX to create the illusion of movement. The interplay of light and shadow in this piece brings the viewer closer to the subject, immersing them in the peaceful seascape. This is a true masterpiece that will captivate the viewer and inspire them to enjoy the simple things in life. As a prize for winning the Best in Show, Stratis will be a Featured Artist for March 2023 and will receive a cash prize along with an invitation to participate in Fusion Art’s Annual Group Show in Santa Fe in 2024.