el Pedregal introduces a new window display called the “Monet Garden Series” by artist Bela Fidel.  The Monet Gardens Series is a minimalist abstraction of the real Monet Gardens in Giverny, France.  The paintings present light colors illustrating the original gardens’ essence, as true representatives of Impressionism.

Fidel says, “In my Series I wish to convey light and color reflected through the water from the illumination of the sky and the richness of the plants, as seen underwater, swaying in motion.  The paintings have been divided into seasons, each color reflecting the all-absorbing warmth of summer, the coolness of winter, and the delicate warmth and richness of spring and fall.  This series calls for immersion in each painting, and the reward is the renewed discovery of shapes, forms and light.  I aim to convey the message that less can certainly be more.”

Fidel creates visual excitement in her paintings by combining geometric imagery that is root in mystical/occult teachings with brush strokes that typify expressive abstract painting.  Known for her abstracts, oils, encaustic, endangered/exploited species, flight, mixed media, creation of the word triptych, and portrait of an artist series, Fidel’s work showcases life journeys by creating an emotional pull from the tension between abstract shapes and geometric figures.  Fidel is engaged in an ongoing process of experimentation and exploration, to discover innovative ways to capture the viewer in a visual experience that is both “unique and timeless, immediate and transcendent,” she says.

Other works currently displayed by Fidel include “…And Then There Were None – Cheetah…”, expressing awareness to the viewer of the slow dicimation of the natural animal world and its effect on our own lives and environment, and “The World as Ground Zero”, expressing the shock and despair of terrorism worldwide. 

“I wanted the art itself to physically be the violence of terrorism, as much as the medium would allow.  Although it has no peace in it, the reality expressed through the art suggests the hope that man’s expression of true civilization and creativity will overcome evil,” says Fidel.