Explosion of Color A fine art exhibition of Mark Millene’s work Reviewed by Armistead Johnson Photographs courtesy of the artist

On the corner of 8 th Ave between Horatio and Jane streets is the 43 8 th Avenue Gallery; a charming and intimate space that is currently featuring the work of Bulgarian artist Mark Millene.

Mark Millene (a graduate of the Bulgarian National Academy of Fine Art where famed surrealist Cristo is also an alumnus) has seen first hand that borders can change, structures can collapse and the only concrete characteristic of structure in his world is change. The colorful abstract canvases by Millene are layered with, first, perfect geometrical shapes where rigid form and structure are observed and studied. Then, they are layered with color and disguised. The result is work that is violent and simultaneously hypnotically peaceful.

“Like many artists who have grown up in a communist state, I see America’s freedom more clearly than most of those who have grown up in a democracy. I celebrate choice and allow the viewer to see as many layers as they choose,” states Millene.

Explosion of Color will run from July 25 th through August 10 th at 43 8 th Avenue Gallery (cross streets Horatio and Jane.)