The gigantic artwork hanging inside of SF State’s art gallery is not only intriguing to the eye- it’s uplifting to the soul. The vibrant colors and abstract designs that Jenny E. Balisle uses lure you into her artistic world of the "Essentia-Tactility of the Soul" art exhibition.

The student-run art gallery, located in the Cesar Chavez Student Center, is hosting the Essentia art exhibition through Feb. 25. Admission is free to experience the abstract display.

Every semester the SF State art gallery presents three exhibitions. The Essentia exhibit is the first showcase for the 2005 spring semester.

“It’s good to see a lot of people are still interested in art,” said SF State painting student Mitsuhiro "Scoop" Kuwahara.

The eye-catching display creates a small crowd and draws in curious spectators. The crest-shaped gallery seems to be motionless despite all the commotion in the building.

Balisle uses a mixture of soothing colors and mesmerizing textures in the gigantic pieces of art. The display can capture your undivided attention and trigger a soulful experience.

“They’re the kinds of paintings that make you stop and look because you can’t just walk by and catch something out of it," said Dominic Farris, a psychology and international relations major. "You really have to think - they're deep."

According to Balisle’s painting concept, her paintings are designed to create a presence that cannot be ignored.

Preparation for the Essentia exhibit lasted a month and it took about seven days to install.

Seven layers of oil paint help develop the unique look of Balisle’s work. Balisle simply uses everyday utensils like spatulas and knives in order to create the abstract effect.

“People don’t need to know what the artwork is about, they can feel it,” said fine arts major Jenessa Kenwey, an assistant at the art gallery.

Sun Yom, one of SF State’s art gallery curators and directors described the artist as a “heavyweight,” because of the excellent quality of her work. Balisle’s creations are shown and sold at numerous galleries throughout the Bay Area. Her work ranges in price from $350 to $3,800.

Yom explained that Balisle’s work is definitely better than the other submissions the gallery received.
The gallery selects the next artist based on what the students want, past themes, and the submission the staff receives from the artist.

“I’ve never seen work done so well in abstract,” Yom said.

Balisle is a graduate of the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. She has won numerous awards for her work. Her art has been displayed in exhibitions located in Northern and Southern California.
A comment book is provided at the front desk so visitors can write down their opinions. Comments are also welcome on: http://www.sfsustudentcenter.com/artgallery.