SAN FRANCISCO, CA.- Internationally known artist and author Petra Eiko is showing new artwork in Galiara’s new San Francisco Gallery 4n5 through the end of February 2012. In addition to her paintings, Eiko has brought her “What is in your heart?–The world is listening” interactive public art project inviting San Francisco visitors and residents to express their hearts.

Eiko is a truly innovative contemporary artist with her reverse acrylic paintings on Plexiglas. Her artworks radiate energy, light and the ever-changing yet constant movement of life. The images express the power and force of feelings that arise from within. At the same time, they capture the pulsating vivacity of the universe. Her circle paintings show the emotional human dance around the ultimate middle—emerging outward from a dot that represents the point of silence and all beginnings. Eiko works with various color combinations and movement to emit an energy that travels from the painting to the eye of the viewer, penetrating into their deeper self.

In 2009, Eiko launched the-green-heart project to inspire and share positive ideas, thoughts and widen the human circle through public art. This was conceived as a platform to increase peace, one step at a time. It encourages understanding, hope and harmony between individuals and nations.

Eiko successfully evolved the-green-heart project in 2010, creating a large-scale public art piece displayed in eight locations throughout California. Community members expressed their hearts anonymously on paper and post their creations or small drawings on Eiko’s art installation. With thousands of expressions so far, it also has been scaled down to a travel-sized version in five Los Angeles area High Schools in 2011 with more installations planned in five more schools in 2012.

The installation: What is in your heart?–The world is listening came to fruition after a trip Eiko took to Dubai. She met a woman who asked what the “Western” definition of Love was. In order to better answer her question, Eiko recognized that love begins in the heart and cannot be defined without understanding the heart itself. She transformed a single question “What is in your heart?” into an interactive public art project that unites people and brings communities together. Their participation confirms that we are not alone with our thoughts, dreams, and challenges. The Green Heart project generates a feeling of connectedness that is extremely valuable throughout the world today.

By truly expressing our hearts on Eiko’s art wall, these messages become part of the actual art piece, and generate more understanding.

All these unique expressions are beautifully shown on a special FaceBook gallery and selections will be placed in future installations for the world to see. A special commemorative volume is planned as a witness of our reflection on life. The proceeds will go to youth art programs.

Eiko’s artwork has been exhibited in the United States, Germany, and Korea.

Gallery 4N5 is located between 4th and 5th Streets at 863 Mission Street in San Francisco. Eikos stunning artwork and her “What is in your heart?–The world is listening” project will be up through the end of February 2012. A selection of Eiko’s paintings will also be available for purchase here