Artist's Reception: Friday July 5, 5-8pm

Born in Algeria, Mokha Laget spent her early life in North Africa, France, and the United States. Of the kind of cultural integration acquired by those who spend time abroad, Laget has said "as I travel from country to country, I am gathering color, texture and design ideas. What eventually evolves into a piece of art has been influenced by this collage of life."

In her bold explorations of color and form, Laget has cited the influence of Gene Davis, whom she worked for as a studio assistant. Her affinity with his work - along with that of other members of the Washington Color School like Paul Reed and Ann Truitt - is brilliantly evidenced in her compositional sensibility. Laget says, "When I juxtapose a hot burnt orange with a cool dusty cerulean, I know just the kind of vibration I am seeking. I am looking to turn color into energy and create an emanation that draws the viewer into an energetic field of radiant color."