"Stranger" - a solo exhibition by Stella Im Hultberg

Spoke Art is pleased to present “Stranger”, a solo exhibition by Portland-based artist Stella Im Hultberg. Comprised of new oil paintings and loosely rendered watercolor and india ink sketches, “Stranger” is an exploration into the fragmented dream-like world of female identity.

After spending some time to become a mother, Stella returns for her first solo show in four years at Spoke Art Gallery. The time spent away enabled her to refine her style and play up new aesthetics, Stella’s current body of paintings and illustrations have a unique and whimsical aesthetic that pay homage to her earlier work while cultivating a visual language completely her own.

Playful and graphic, her new series of illustrations break free of rigorous composition and allow Stella to explore and experiment with alternative mediums such as india ink and watercolor. These unencumbered materials give way for beautiful and unexpected results. When asked about her process, the artist states, “It just feels like the materials or the image I'm trying to make is more fluid and organic, like they're alive. It feels kind of like I have to try and communicate with them and make deals.”

“Stranger” is a surreal display of Stella’s signature female figures paired with organic iconography. Adorned with bountiful flowers and surrounded in a dream-like atmosphere, these figures are representative of the ever-changing feminine identity. In “Stranger” these shy and contemplative figures seem to represent fragments of new beginnings for the artist. Surrounded by symbols of mother nature and fertility, one could say that “Stranger” is a celebration of all things new.

The artist states, “There was a lot of "heaviness of love" that I felt since becoming a parent, a very heavy-feeling blessing. I’m sure many parents would agree. Maybe overabundance of flowers are a bit related to that - delicate flowers in heaps can become very heavy and hard to bear. Even the most beautiful things that can make it hard to breathe for you. But things happen in life, not just children, that can make you change before you realize. And suddenly you realize that you’re different. You see that you're still you, but somehow you aren't you anymore - you're a stranger to yourself.”
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  • Stella Im Hultberg - "Eri" - Spoke Art
    Stella Im Hultberg
    Stella Im Hultberg - "Eri"
    $1,050.00
    $1,050.00
  • A womans face with closed eyes in a watercolor painting is surrounded by ethereal Sumie ink and gray blotches, softly blending with the white background. It reflects Stella Im Hultbergs style using archival materials for enduring beauty.
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    Stella Im Hultberg - "Blur"
    $1,050.00
    $1,050.00
  • "Beholden" - Spoke Art
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Beholden"
    $1,350.00
    $1,350.00
  • The artwork portrays a partially nude woman adorned with flowers, gracefully draped in a black garment. Using splashes of color and Sumie ink, this Stella Im Hultberg piece evokes longing and elegance reminiscent of nature.
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Longing"
    $1,350.00
    $1,350.00
  • "Study for Hiding the Blue" - Spoke Art
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Study for Hiding the Blue"
    $1,350.00
    $1,350.00
  • "Hide Your Head Inside A Dream" - Spoke Art
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Hide Your Head Inside A Dream"
    $1,050.00
    $1,050.00
  • "Hiding the Blue" - Spoke Art "Hiding the Blue" - Spoke Art
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Hiding the Blue"
    $2,700.00
    $2,700.00
  • A woman with short black hair holds large pink flowers against a soft, abstract background in the ethereal style of Stella Im Hultberg. Her calm expression merges with the pastel tones around her like ghostly whispers. A woman with short black hair is enveloped by large pink flowers, embodying Stella Im Hultbergs ethereal style. She holds a flower near her face with a serene look, while ghostly blue and white patterns in the background enhance the otherworldly vibe.
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Ghosts"
    $2,200.00
    $2,200.00
  • A watercolor painting in the style of Stella Im Hultberg depicts a nude figure glancing shyly sideways, holding their hair. Ethereal flowers envelop their lower half, seamlessly blending into the background like Sumie Ink on archival materials.
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Bent"
    $1,350.00
    $1,350.00
  • "Remember the Rain" - Spoke Art
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Remember the Rain"
    $1,150.00
    $1,150.00
  • "Offering" - Spoke Art
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Offering"
    $1,350.00
    $1,350.00
  • A Stella Im Hultberg watercolor illustration depicts a serene woman with long dark hair and closed eyes, holding nightblooms. She is set against abstract black splatters and soft hues, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Nightblooms"
    $1,150.00
    $1,150.00
  • A wooden box contains an art piece by Stella Im Hultberg, featuring a serene face surrounded by sculpted white flowers. The intricate floral arrangement frames the visage, with loose petals scattered like whispered secrets at the bottom. A serene face sculpture surrounded by white ceramic flowers, crafted in Stella Im Hultbergs distinctive style, is mounted on a wooden background. The intricate flowers form a heart-like pattern around the face.
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Pestilence"
    $1,400.00
    $1,400.00
  • "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" - Spoke Art "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" - Spoke Art
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"
    From $30.00
    From $30.00
  • Stella Im Hultbergs fine art giclee features a woman with closed eyes, adorned with a detailed flower crown and delicate floral and bee accents on her bare shoulders. The soft white and pink background is contrasted by black splatters, making it a perfect addition to your collection. A Stella Im Hultberg framed fine art giclee shows a serene woman with closed eyes, flowers, and leaves in her hair against a light textured background. The piece is signed and numbered for authenticity.
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    Stella Im Hultberg
    "Here There and Everywhere"
    From $50.00
    From $50.00