paintings

A series of expressionist compositions illustrate different views of romance and passion from a feminine perspective. Indian artisan Sonu Chopra uses watercolor on paper to portray a stunning woman whose love is expressed with black flowers around her face as a symbol of longing.

The artwork comes signed and stretched.

A faceless woman meditates as she sits on an open book. Working with the linoleum block print technique, Marina Pallares explores her global vision for world peace. The artist explains that the butterfly alighting on the corner of the book symbolizes the transformation of a being who dragged herself along the ground, but transforms into a winged creature that will take flight. Gentle doves are released from her bowed head.

"This print arose from my vision of world peace," the Mexican artist comments. "It's very similar to my ideas about ecology. Everything begins with the individual person with a global vision. That is, when we find our own inner peace, it's inevitable that we'll project it to everyone around us.

"Meditation is one of the simplest ways to gain access to our inner being. It gives us a sense of union with everything and helps us remain in the present. Meditation and education make us more conscious.

"Peace begins in oneself, on the basis of self-knowledge, self-love and education, making ourselves one hundred percent responsible for our own lives."

Titled "La paz comienza por casa" in Spanish.

United by their love and devotion to Ganesha, the god of arts and science, Riddhi and Siddhi bring prosperity and spiritual power to the world. Part of the sacred Hindu doctrine, the spouses of Ganesha are gracefully portrayed by Sunil Jaiswal of India in this expressionist painting made with vibrant watercolors and acrylic. Exuding mystic energy, the divine women gaze at each other, forming the silhouette of Ganesha as a symbol of the deity's supreme power.

The artwork arrives signed and stretched.

Guatemalan artisan Spencer Samayoa takes a cheeky turn in his vanguardist style to create an expressionist woodcut print full of hidden messages. Titled Teléfono Público in Spanish, this black and white artwork features a payphone with attractive legs, moving to the rhythm of an ethereal but vibrant melody.

The piece comes stretched.