The Academy of Art University showcases the striking creative talents of two MFA 2008 graduates from the Schools of Fine Art Painting and Photography this month at its 625 Sutter Street Gallery in the heart of downtown San Francisco.  Jean Elston and Debbie Nguyen each present bodies of work masterfully echoing representational form, while simultaneously infusing extraordinary elements of abstract and conceptual artistry.

Recent Academy of Art University School of Fine Art Painting MFA graduate Jean Elston imparts an astonishing vivacity of color in her modern approach to impressionistic portraits of blooming flowers.  Often combining startling vantage points with a far-reaching color spectrum, Elston’s paintings serve as poetic meditations on the delicate exuberance of nature’s bounty.  “My work dramatically conveys nature, in this case flowers, through the use of light and shadow, and unique compositional angles,” says Elston.

Debbie Nguyen, a 2008 alumna of the Academy of Art University Graduate School of Photography, offers a remarkable collection of engaging, self-portrait photographs subtly alluding to a realm beyond representational imagery.  Nguyen’s series of images ruminate on the ideal and soul of feminine beauty through an innovative patchwork motif effect.  Nguyen finds a powerful artistic voice in the visual intersection between intimacy and mystery firmly imbedded in her work.  “The goal is to create a dual aesthetic that alludes to the sinuous curves and soft textures of the female form, but is removed and mysterious,” shares Nguyen.

The Academy of Art University’s 625 Sutter Street Gallery is located at 625 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8AM to 5PM and Saturdays from 10AM to 5PM.  The collections of work by Jean Elson and Debbie Nguyen will be on view through June 30, 2008.  All Academy of Art University galleries are nonprofit institutions, with 35% of proceeds from the sale of artwork benefiting the Student Scholarship Fund and the remainder received by the artist.  For requests of high-resolution images of artwork or detailed artist biographies on Jean Elston and Debbie Nguyen, please contact Larissa Dozier at (510) 219-3100 or larissadozier@sbcglobal.net.