Back by popular demand, Josef Kote returns to Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor, NJ with an all-new collection of his extraordinary artwork. The “Letting Go: Serenity Found” exhibit will be at Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ/609.368.7777) Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11, 2019. Josef Kote will meet guests and signed purchased artwork at gallery receptions from 7 p.m to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 11.
Having gained international recognition, Kote is best known for his distinctive style and technique which blend classic academic and abstract elements, fused together with his signature drip effect, to create breathtaking artwork. His paintings have been described as symphonies of light and color that are lyrically stunning and romantic, as well as edgy and current. Kote’s trademark style includes bold brushwork and sweeping strokes of vibrant color – often through the use of a pallet knife – alongside monochromatic areas devoid of detail; the result of these unique techniques are paintings that enthrall the viewer with incredible energy.
A native of Albania, Josef Kote was determined at a young age to become an artist. He was accepted to the finest art high school in his country and went on to be awarded a coveted spot at the National Lyceum of Arts in Tirana, where he was educated in the traditional approach of the Masters.
Kote began his professional career designing and painting theatrical scenery, and at age 26, moved to Greece, where he was inspired by the Mediterranean and began painting in an impressionistic style. After a successful 10 years in Greece, Kote moved to Toronto where Kote’s work further evolved and he began painting gorgeous urbanscapes and snow scenes in a more expressionistic feel.
In 2009, Kote moved to New York where he currently resides. Once again, his paintings and style morphed with the colors growing bolder and his style becoming so unique that it is difficult to box it into an existing art genre.
One of Kote’s favorite subject matters is the water, as evident in many of his paintings which have nautical themes, including numerous new oceanscapes and water-themed paintings that he created specifically for the Stone Harbor exhibition after being inspired from previous visits to the quaint seaside community.
Gallery owner Kim Miller describes his artwork as being incredibly moving. “Each of Josef’s pieces are full of light and energy capturing shimmering moments in time and space. And with his many amazing beach scenes, Josef’s art has become a favorite with our customers making him one of the most popular artists that our gallery represents.”
The “Josef Kote – Letting Go: Serenity Found” exhibition will be at Ocean Galleries in Stone Harbor Friday, August 9 through Sunday, August 11. Josef Kote will be in the gallery 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, August 9 and Saturday, August 10, and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 11. The exhibition is free and open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with all artwork available for acquisition.