Impressionist at Work The Abstract Art of Leslie Bender Written by Wendy R. Williams Photo of Ms. Bender by Wendy R. Williams Art courtesy of Leslie Bender

Sex sells! Hey, even the illusion of sex sells. And artist Leslie Bender has refined the art of portraying carnality on canvas, painting beautifully romantic paintings that have sometimes subtle (and sometimes not) erotic undertones. Created with her abstract realist style, the works show people at play in a variety of locations – frolicking on the beach, drinking in bars, sleeping on the sand.

Here is a quote from her press release: “Ms. Bender's work is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, the Fairview Art Museum in Utah, among others, and has been displayed in many museums, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, the Glenbow Museum in Canada, and the New York State Museum. She lives, works and shows in the Hudson Valley region, where she enjoys a large following.”

Ms. Bender’s art was exhibited at the Madame X Bar from May 16 - June 20, 2006. Madame X is located at 94 West Houston Street, just west of Broadway. For more information on Madame X, log onto www.madameXnyc.com. According to the press release for the Bender show, “The upper level was once an early '90's whorehouse fronted by a nail salon, and the lower level was a reggae music store masking a marijuana dealership. It is now a luxurious, quirky spot with a sexy personality all it's own including monthly art exhibits by a wide range of artists.

For more information on Leslie Bender, log onto www.lesliebender.com.