a search for simplicity, clarity and peace
about the work
My paintings are abstract or non-representational, with a limited palette and content. I investigate how much – or how little – is required for colors, shapes and materials to reveal their essence and effect.
Following an intuitive approach, I strive for balance without losing tension, for reduction without becoming trivial, and am always fascinated by universal concepts of form, mass, proportion, rhythm, and structure. Influenced by modern art, everyday surroundings and nature, my main inspiration is an inner urge to find my own expression.
More recently, I've been working almost entirely with liquid media such as ink, watercolor, or diluted acrylic paint on high quality paper, as well as natural cotton or linen canvas. I investigate the impact of deep color spaces, sensitive lines and marks, and the dynamic interaction of the various players. Experimentation is an essential part of my artistic process, and I keep my senses open to coincidences and surprises.
My artworks are quiet reflections on the beauty of life and its fundamental simplicity. They are intended to provide a grounding experience and radiate a sense of calm, peace and serenity. An invitation to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life for a brief moment of reflection and resonance, allowing the eyes to rest and the soul to linger.
about simone christen
Swiss born artist Simone Christen (b. 1971) studied art at Lucerne School of Design and Basel School of Visual Art. In 2020, she relocated with her family to rural New Jersey, where she now lives and paints on a small horse farm.
Christen creates non-representational art within the realm of minimalism. In a practice which is both meditative and meticulous, she uses self-made washes to layer expansive, organic forms on raw canvas. Following an intuitive artistic approach, she captures and evokes emotions and atmospheres. Each canvas becomes a journey of introspection – a quiet exploration of clarity, simplicity, and a breathing balance.
Exploring artistic themes of color, form and space, her work touches on a deeper level upon questions of individual expression, relationship, freedom and interconnectedness. Her practice centers on creating conditions for presence, pause and reflection, her calm works exuding a sense of peace and serenity.
Christen has showcased her work in solo and group exhibitions across the USA and Europe. Recent exhibitions include the Affordable Art Fair New York and the Art Miami Fair, with works in private collections worldwide.
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education
2017-20 studies at Visual Art School Basel, Switzerland
working years in the field of digital cartography and graphic design
1997 MBA of Geography from University of Berne, Switzerland
1991/92 foundation year at School of Design Lucerne, Switzerland
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select galleries / collaborations
current
Galerie Duret
Paris, France / Brussels, BelgiumHagan Fine Art Gallery
Charleston SC, USACSM Art Gallery
Chatham NJ / New York NY, USAArea Environment, artist-driven wallcoverings
Minneapolis MN, USAHolly Hunt
USAGallery Art Mora, Ridgefield Park NJ, USA
Acid Gallery, Lille, FranceArt in Rug, Los Angeles CA. USA
object space, Seattle WA, USA
MB MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston TX, USA
UTMB Women’s Clinic, Houston TX, USA
Hilton West Palm Beach FL, USA
Kollektion Wiedemann, Giesen, Germany
Equipoise Studio, Los Angeles CA. USA
Karmameju Skincare, Copenhagen, Denmark
Moderna Records, Montreal, Canada
Level57, Art Studio, Atlanta GA, US
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select exhibitions
2025
Art Miami, with Galerie Duret, Miami FL, USA
Affordable Art Fair Hamburg, with Galerie Duret, Hamburg, Germany
Affordable Art Fair New York Fall, with Galerie Duret, New York NY, USA
Paris Design Week, at Gallery Duret, Paris, France
Hamptons Fine Art Fair, with Galerie Duret, Southhampton NY, USA
Affordable Art Fair Berlin, with Galerie Duret, Berlin, Germany
group exhibition Peace of MInd, Galerie Duret, Paris, France
Affordable Art Fair Austin, with Galerie Duret, Austin TX, USA
Art Fair 14c, Jersey City NJ, USA
Affordable Art Fair Hampstead UK, with Galerie Duret, Hampstead London, UK
Affordable Art Fair Brussels, with Galerie Duret, Brussels, Belgium
Art Palm Beach, with Galerie Duret, West Palm Beach FL, USA
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2024
group exhibition The Emotive Power of Color, van der Plas Gallery, New York NY, USA
Art Miami CONTEXT, with Galerie Duret, Miami FL, USA
Affordable Art Fair Battersea, with Galerie Duret, London, UK
Affordable Art Fair New York Fall, with Galerie Duret, New York NY, USA
Atlanta Art Fair, with Art Mora Gallery, Atlanta GA, USA
Art on Paper, with Art Mora Gallery, New York NY, USA
solo exhibition a late summer tale, Harmony Brookside, Mendham NJ, USA
solo exhibition, the gallery at 350 Bleeker Street, New York NY, USA
Seattle Art Fair, with Art Mora Gallery, Seattle WA, USA
solo exhibition summer serenade, Art Mora Gallery, Ridgefield Park NJ, USA
San Francisco Art Fair, with Art Mora Gallery, San Francisco CA, USA
Affordable Art Fair Austin, with Galerie Duret, Austin TX, USA
Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, with Galerie Duret, London, UK
Affordable Art Fair New York Spring, with Galerie Duret, New York, Manhattan NY, USA
Lille Art Up!, with acid Gallery, Lille, France
Art Palm Beach, with Galerie Duret, West Palm Beach FL, USA
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2023
winter group show, Galérie Duret, Paris, France
winter exhibition The Dream Salon, Art Mora Gallery, Ridgefield Park NJ, USA
silent auction, Swiss Society of NY, Manhattan NY, USA
Art Fair 14c, Jersey City NJ, USA
Art on Paper, with Art Mora Gallery, Manhattan NY, USA
Seattle Art Fair, with Art Mora Gallery, Seattle WA, USA
group exhibition The Circle of Life, Art Mora Gallery, Ridgefield Park NJ, USA
exhibition at PizzArte, Manhattan NY, USA
Art Market San Francisco, with Art Mora Gallery, San Francisco CA, USA
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2022
8th Annual Small Works Show, 440 Gallery, Brooklyn, USA
Art Fair 14c, Jersey City NJ, USA
duo exhibition, The Gallery at WellDesign, Mendham NJ, USA
online group show Patterns, Textures & Forms, Special Recognition, Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery
group show Little Treasures, Galleria de Marchi, Bologna, Italy
solo exhibition true transparencies, Harmony Brookside, Mendham NJ, USA
group show hygge , pour-d Gallery, Rockford MI, USA
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2021
group show affordable art show, Harmony Brookside, Mendham NJ, USA
group show modern archetypes, Galeria azur, Madrid, Spain
online group show abstracted, ART FLUENT, Boston MA, USA
festival Foundation Arts Fest 2021, Long Beach Island Foundation of the Arts, Long Beach NJ, USA
online group show While We Wait, Vacant Museum
group show blooming, Kansas City Stockyards Gallery, Kansas City MO, USA
online exhibition The Magic of Water, Cultural Center of Cape Cod MA, USA
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2019 open studios Rheinfelden, Switzerland