Sophie von Hellerman at Greene Naftali Gallery

Though inspired by the local history and landscape of the countryside near her studio in Kent, England, Sophie von Hellerman’s latest paintings are anything but tranquil.  Scenes of ecstatic dancing and energetically soaring birds join paintings like this one – depicting a WWII soldier’s plane crash in the woods – to offer unexpected rural drama.  (On view at Greene Naftali Gallery in Chelsea through Feb 2nd).

Sophie von Hellerman, Ileden Woods, acrylic on canvas, 9 ½ x 124 7/8 inches, 2018.