Harrison Public Library presents “Welcome” by Karen Maloof
Exhibition is on display January 4, 2026 to February 6, 2026.
Gallery is open to the public during regular library hours.
Artist’s Statement:
As a photographer turned painter, the narrative between light and shadow has always been my ultimate challenge. Exploring this symbiotic relationship assists me in creating a sense of memory of the lives lived in quiet corners of the world. A house becomes a home, a sense of family, its presence and perhaps its future. Discovering the harmony between a structure and its environment encourages me to conceptualize what stories can be told about a place. I question the character of the inhabitants reflected by a structure. Who walked through the door, the laughter, the tears? The scene is set to imagine the answers. The phrase “if walls could talk” lurks in the back of my mind while I paint.
Although I consider my work to be in the realism tradition, I alter what I see to accentuate an emotional response. Composition, contrast of light and color are manipulated to communicate a sentiment of serenity. I use both traditional oil and water based oil paint while painting en plein air (outside). These painting studies are used for my studio paintings, as well as pencil drawings, reference photographs and my memory.
About the Artist:
A Syracuse University graduate (B.S. in Social Work, 1977), Maloof discovered her passion for black and white photography while in college, honing her skills at the community darkroom in the Newhouse Communications School. She later moved to New York City, where she worked as a paralegal by day while interning at Photographics Unlimited, a professional darkroom and studio facility.
In the 80’s and 90’s, she became known for “Karen Maloof Painted Photography”, a unique fusion of b&w printing techniques, transparent oils and color pencils. She produced her work in limited editions which was included in many corporate, hospital and private collections. Due to the tranquil nature of the imagery, her work was published internationally by poster and greeting card companies.
Karen transitioned to painting exclusively on canvas ten years ago, moving away from her photographic roots to create purely hand-rendered landscapes and structures. “Though I no longer use photography as my canvas, my fascination with capturing light and shadow remains central to my work.” She has studied with Tim Horn and Colley Whisson. She is an Elected Member of the American Artist Professional League and is a member of the Edward Hopper House Museum, Garrison Art Center and Rowayton Arts Center. Inspired by Richard Schmidt, Edward Hopper and Berthe Morisot, she continues to learn techniques to enhance her vision.
To inquire about a painting or a portrait of your home, please contact the artist: Instagram@karenmaloofartist
www.karenmaloofartist.com
