Artists Statement: I paint to explore themes of acceptance, vulnerability and emotional connection, examining roles and perceptions of women. I aim to create work that evokes a sense of wonder and invites the viewer to enter a dreamlike world of possibility and beauty. I draw inspiration from the Pre-Raphaelite movement, as well as my tropical garden. I seek to empower and celebrate the feminine in my work, while also capturing the intensity and complexity of the natural world. Artist Biography: Marni Mutrux is a figurative realism artist whose work delves into themes of acceptance, community, and body image. Mutux brings to life vibrant tropical flowers and plants, evoking a sense of lushness and beauty. Her intricate portrayals of women, both in portraits and figures, explore the complexities of body image and aim to foster a sense of acceptance and forgiveness. Inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite and Art Nouveau periods, as well as her experiences navigating personal transitions, Mutrux's works are imbued with an ethereal quality that blurs the lines of realism. She weaves patterns reminiscent of childhood memories into her compositions, creating a visual tapestry that celebrates her own community and inviting viewers to reflect on their own journeys of self-acceptance and connection. Mutrux was born in Key West, Florida. She was awarded the Presidential Arts Scholarship and earned a BFA in painting from Salem State College in Massachusetts. She currently resides in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Post-graduation, Mutrux moved to the coastal town of Paso Robles, California, where she established The Vine Gallery, an art gallery amidst the local wine-tasting culture. She has exhibited in numerous solo and group exhibitions across the West Coast and Miami. Mutrux has been published in The New Times SLO, San Francisco Weekly, Central Coast Living, and Monavita Magazine. Her work hangs in private collections internationally, most notably, a recent commission of the first king of Saudi Arabia, Abdul Aziz, for his granddaughter.