It is an O Phenomenon

When Modern Art Evokes the Soul

By Marivir R. Montebon

New York City — Swiss artist Joachim Oettli is in the Big Apple bringing in his intense, vibrant acrylic art pieces which, as independent Manhattan art critic John Austin puts it, exemplify psychic and spiritual transformation as seen in modern expressionism.

Running from May 6 to the 26^th at the Artifact Gallery on Orchard Street, his art collection showcases Modern Art in High-Definition, with acrylic (plexi) glass combined with acryl and automotive lacquer as media to produce extravagant art pieces. Swarovski crystals are dashed to give them that glittery effect.

Oettli, who earned his Master’s Degree in Expressive Arts Therapy and graduated Cum Laude, approaches art in a holistic manner (thus the O in the O Phenomenon collection, O for Oettli, and O for perfect, never-ending stream), and not just something to be studied for mere appreciation or understanding.

“Art is part of our being. It is in our soul, and it heals,” he said.

At the May 7 reception of his ‘The O Phenomenon’ collection, Oettli confessed that O’Marilyn, made of acrylic and lacquer and glittered with Swarovski elements, is his most favorite work of art. His art pieces are not just meant to tantalize the eyes, says partner Paul Baylosis, they are also functional items that accentuate or accessorize a space. The Circle O’Life is a convertible wall décor or a two-sided table top. The Orchid, made of acryl and acrylic lacquer, is an elegant lamp.

Art critic Austin is correct in saying that as Oettli invents forms, textures, and colors to create a picture, his art work is “sufficiently expeditious to draw forth ideas from the spectator’s mind while using the power of association.”

An art rendering of what to me was a deformed shape of a woman standing caught my interest. And it was titled Oracle (defined as a priest or priestess acting as a medium through whom advice or prophecy was sought from the gods in classical antiquity), to which Oettli had said, “that is how you interpreted my art which evoked your own mindset.” To me, that was cool, and wasn’t coincidental.

Oettli, born on March 1, 1965 in Thurgau, Switzerland, attributes the depth of his artistic expression through his years of exposure to Social Pedagogy, thus making his art as a full expression of his life. He is an accomplished artist who showcased solo and group art exhibits in galleries, fashion boutiques, restaurants, hotels, and hospitals in Switzerland.

An exclusive art display for Hotel Kastanienbaum Lucerne in 2010 and his two time participation in the Art International Zurich in 2011 and 2012, where he resides, are among the highlights of his artistic career.

Visit the Artifact Gallery to catch the engaging and exciting modern art works of Oettli, as they fascinate you and evoke your own soul.