BELLE BRETT – GINA’S FLOATING WORLD: REFLECTIONS OF JAPAN

JULY 4-27, 2019 – RECEPTION JULY 19, 2019 from 5-7PM

BOOK TALK – GINA IN THE FLOATING WORLD – JULY 24, 3:00 & 6:00 PM

Art By Belle Brett

On Wednesday July 4 th , Great Bay Gallery opens the exhibit Gina’s Floating World:

Reflections of Japan by writer and artist Belle Brett of Somerville, Massachusetts (named

for the same Somers family as Somers Point). Belle’s recently published novel, Gina in the

Floating World, set in1981 in Japan, serves as the source of inspiration for her series of

collages, watercolors and photographs which will be on exhibit at the Gallery, 829 Bay

Avenue, Somers Point until July 27.

In her artistic career, Brett initially focused on photography and darkroom techniques.

More recently, collages, mixed media and watercolor painting have joined photography as

mainstays of her artistic expression.

Belle Brett’s first novel, Gina in the Floating World, was published by She Writes Press in

September 2018; it tells the story of a young American who undertakes a bank internship

in Tokyo who finds herself exploring the darker side of the culture. The story was inspired

by Belle’s own stint as a bar hostess in Japan when she was in her 20’s. Kirkus Reviews calls

the book “a sharply observed and unforgettable debut”. The novel was a finalist for a Sarton

Women’s Book Award in Contemporary Fiction.

Brett writes “Gina in the Floating World” inspired me to create this exhibit as a reflection of

different scenarios in the novel or aspects of Japanese culture, using collageas the

dominant medium since it is the most abstract of my art forms.

In this unusual exhibit of abstract forms that document the Japanese experience, Belle Brett

brings to the Jersey Shore an opportunity for art lovers, literary enthusiasts and the

continuously curious to explore Belle Brett’s experiences. See more about Belle Brett’s art

at www.bellebretstudio.com and writing at www.bellebrett.com.

Gina in the Floating World Book Talk and Discussion will be held on Wednesday July 24

with seating at 3:00 or 6:00pm. Seating is limited and reservations should be made by

calling 609-653-499; email: katharleth@hotmail.com. The event is free and open to the

public

Gallery hours are Wed & Thursday 12-5pm; Friday & Saturday 12-8pm; Sunday 11am-4pm