Rachel Berkowitz '16

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The work of international award-winning artist Rachel Berkowitz '16 has been selected to be featured at Great Art Space gallery in Beverly Hills, California, for the month of August. This solo painting exhibition will be available for viewing through Sept. 13.

“Eternal Bouquets,” according to the gallery's press release, "is a collection of abstract, expressionistic paintings that comment on a constant yearning for acceptance and the meaning behind receiving floral bouquets. The paintings act as instruments of recognition, allowing the audience to accept themselves in this congratulatory era, honoring a moment to celebrate the joy of simply being.

"Drawing inspiration from the 17th century Dutch tradition of floral still-lives as well as the spiritual art of Hilma Af Klimt, the Eternal Bouquets respond to a common sensitivity for the worthiness of praise. While we live in a digital world of meaningless likes and congratulations, what we often forget to do is congratulate ourselves for the ways in which we overcome immense pressure everyday.

"The paintings mark the significance of time and create a sense of occasion through a profusion of neon petals, abstract leaves and natural forms. The formal qualities of the work responds to the urge for recognition and acceptance by offering an intentional visual gift. Gender aside, anyone can enjoy the natural beauty that flowers invite into any room. We must live here and now in the most beautiful moment we can manifest.

"The paintings also hint at life's impermanence. A close viewing of the paintings requires taking a pause. Though the canvases seem decorative at first glance, by slowing down and concentrating on the composition, the viewer is reminded of the generosity of nature and the importance of showing gratitude — to others and ourselves."

Born in 1993 Columbus, Ohio, Berkowitz lives and works in Los Angeles, California. She was raised in London and graduated with a B.A. in fine arts from the UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture.

From February through May 2023, Berkowitz showcased paintings for a solo exhibition, “Biophilic Harmonies.” The work brings attention to the innate human desire to be close to natural elements within everyday life. Light as an energy source plays a strong role in the aesthetic and spiritual nature of the work, as the contrasting techniques lead into a visual meditations for the viewer. Her travels across U.S. national parks have been used as inspiration for her most recent paintings, placing a need on the heightened concern for conservation and preservation. Previously, she has exhibited in solo painting and photography shows, group fine art shows and at global artist events in Los Angeles, London and Japan.

With three more artist residencies coming up, Berkowitz has completed four international artist residencies over the last few years. Spanning from London to Chicago, Berkowitz will jump to any opportunity when it comes to traveling for an artistic purpose. Her artist residencies range from the La Napoule Artist Foundation in France to the Slade School of Art London Summer Intensive in England to the Volcanoes of Lassen Volcanic National Park, in California.

Berkowitz has been awarded first place in various international fine art competitions and has received numerous private and public commissions from staging paintings for Palm Springs Modernism Week, to painting a mural for Bill Nye, The Science Guy’s new videos filmed at The Planetary Society in Pasadena. She is currently the resident artist at Zensai, an art and fashion streetwear store in Beverly Hills, where she customizes clothing that features her own artwork.

Berkowitz has self-published three complete fine art photography books. One of her most popular series, “Fairfax Royalty,” was displayed at a booth for Gallery 1202 in The L.A. Art Show, 2020.