Stetson Gallery is pleased to present, “Held Together,” a major exhibit of new paintings by Nedret Andre. Andre’s abstract landscapes depict the intricate natural balance within seagrass habitats. With this series of paintings, Andre explores the interconnected-ness of species within eelgrass beds. Her research in seagrass restoration with marine ecologists led to her snorkel within seagrass beds and allowed her to observe beautiful exchanges that occur.

Eelgrass beds provide a home, food, and sanctuary for so many creatures like crabs, starfish, manatees and thousands of sea creatures. Seagrass’s ability to hold together so many wonderful tangible and intangible elements has been at the heart of Andre’s paintings. Her painting “Held Together” is an underwater hub where many exchanges are occurring simultaneously. She paints elusive organic shapes that appear and disappear; where the edges become distinct and then shift into the next shape, creating energetic movements. With her unique visual language, Andre captures the rich diversity of colors, shapes and movement of eelgrass beds.

Globally, every hour 20 football fields of eelgrass are lost due mostly to pollution. Andre paints the beauty found in seagrass habitats to raise awareness of the benefits of these habitats, from the clean air we breathe to the muscles we eat. For Andre being involved in eelgrass conservation efforts has made a huge impact on her everyday choices and definitely her paintings.

Please join us for the Opening Reception and special speaking engagement with MIT ecologist, Dr. Julie Simpson. Sunday, Sep.9th 2018 12:00 - 2:00 PM
Nedret Andre is a Boston-based artist who has been reviewed in Art New England and ArtScope Magazine. She received her BFA in Painting at Massachusetts College of Art, and her MFA from Maine College of Art. Dr. Juliet Simpson is a coastal aquatic ecologist with the MIT Sea Grant College Program in the Marine Advisory Services group.

"Held Together"" is a solo show running September 6 through October 16, 2018.