Wrench | Oil on Board | 16" x 16" x 2" | 2014

Negation | Oil on Canvas | 42" x 42" x 2" | 2014

Artist Statement: A process-based artist, Yvonne Petkus explores residues of struggle through a shifting female figure and the relationship between that figure and her environment. By looking for and pulling out varied deviations in form and space, the work attempts to lead to deeper philosophical content, including recent responses to the Polish film, Ida, and the Boston Marathon bombing. Each piece is formed through an intense, critical questioning expressed as a negotiation between the sculptural back and forth of painting and the imagery that emerges.

Originally from New Jersey, Petkus studied at Syracuse University (BFA), Camberwell College of Art in London, and the University of Washington (MFA). Honors include fellowships and grants, and residencies at the School of Visual Arts and Vermont Studio Center. She is committed to the larger discourse of ideas through teaching (Western Kentucky University), exhibitions, and lectures. These include exhibits in Seattle, New York, Michigan, during Art Basel Miami, ArtVenice Biennale 2013, and a recent solo exhibition, Searching, at the Smith Gallery of Davidson College. Conference presentations include the College Art Association, SECAC, and the Athens Institute of Education and Research (in Athens, Greece). Her work is represented by the Brad Cooper Gallery and Elisavet Gallery (Naxos, Greece).