Works by artist Alex Bilu are featured in a new exhibition at The Chequit, which invites all to view the artwork and attend an opening reception.
The exhibition features 20 paintings in Bilu’s series “The Observation of Breath.” A variety of pieces will be showcased in the inn’s lobby and restaurant spaces. An opening reception will take place Saturday, August 20 from 5 to 9 PM.
The show will be on display through September 18.
About Alex Bilu
Alex Bilu’s eclectic, creative journey includes stints as a busboy, acting roles in over a dozen off-Broadway plays, extensive voice-over work including Grand Theft Auto V, a couple of Law and Order appearances, independent films, and eight years in the Butch Morris Chorus of Poets.
Bilu, who studied cinema and art history at Binghamton University, has delivered spoken word at the Whitney Museum, the Alexander Calder Institute, and the Henry Street Settlement. He also works as a real estate broker in Brooklyn
His paintings and drawings have been featured in designer showrooms and galleries at Art Basel Miami and downtown NYC. He has a history of working with interior designers and decorators. Alex Bilu was born in Brooklyn, where he resides today and operates his studio gallery Alex Bilu INC.
“The foundation of the paintings and drawings is the line,” Bilu said in a statement that accompanies the exhibition. “The line, and sometimes the dot.”
“Some of these paintings are one continuous line, one touch without hesitation scraped through wet paint revealing under painted color. The line is strict yet forgiving. The line reveals the truth. “
“One can detect a dishonest line. I have wiped out thousands and started again and again. You can see the residue of past attempts in some of the paintings. You can also see totally smooth one-and-done pieces. The challenge is to get out of your own way, where trust is the ultimate technique.”
“These paintings are an exercise in exactly that — the practice of going with the flow, and, the evidence of those moments.”
About The Chequit
Built in 1872 as a meeting hall, The Chequit morphed into what the religious camp meeting followers who settled Shelter Island Heights (in homes with limited cooking facilities) called “The Restaurant.”
An inn since 1909, The Chequit officially reopened in 2022 on Memorial Day weekend following extensive renovations and is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
The main building features 19 renovated guest rooms and two additional buildings include 16 guest rooms. The inn features three food and beverage options — created by Stacey Soloviev and run by Chef Noah Schwartz — Weakfish Sushi & Noodles, The Tavern, and Heights Cafe & Wine Bar.
