“Untitled Stories” by Helene Ruiz

“Untitled Stories” by Helene Ruiz
February 25 – April 18, 2026 at ANNES Visual Art Studio gallery

ANNES Visual Art Studio gallery invites You to
“Untitled Stories,” a Solo Exhibition by Helene Ruiz on display February 25 – April 18, 2026 with
Opening Reception 
March 6, 2026 from 6-9PM and Closing Reception April 3, 2026 from 6-9PM.

In honor of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Untitled Stories by Helene Ruiz is an exhibition of acrylic on canvas paintings by a woman shaped by her city, her history, and her belief in justice, equity, and the power of giving back. More info, Artist Statement and Biography below.

Artist Statement 
When I was offered this solo exhibition during Women’s History Month at anne’s Visual Art Studio gallery, my first thought was: Which works should I choose? So many to choose from, so many themes that matter to me. After creating hundreds of artworks over the years—and with time reminding me that my body doesn’t always keep up with how young my mind feels (if only I could turn back the hands of time!)—I had to stop and ask myself, What truly defines me as an artist… and as a woman? What matters most?

For me, it’s emotion, compassion, understanding, tolerance, acceptance, justice, human and animal rights, and yes, even the state of “politRics.”  Pretty much anything that stirs my heart or spirit can inspire a painting. These are also the same forces that have carried me, challenged me, and shaped me as a woman navigating a world that doesn’t always make space for our voices.

In that sense, this exhibition aligns naturally with Women’s History Month. Women have always rebuilt, reimagined, and persisted—and I see my own journey, struggles, and resilience reflected in that ongoing story. Through it all, my NYC roots stay at the center. Being born and raised in NYC is what has shaped me. It is how I see, act and react, live, think, feel, and create. Those roots run deep with experience, grit, rhythm, and soul. They are also the roots that taught me strength, generosity, and community values. 

So, at the heart of this year’s International Women’s Day theme, #GiveToGain, which celebrates uplifting one another so we can all rise, this exhibition is a mix of a little of this, a little of that, and a whole lot of New York City, filtered through the lens of a woman shaped by her city, her history, and her belief in justice, equity, and the power of giving back. – Helene Ruiz


Biography

Helene Ruiz is a NYC-born and raised artist whose work reflects the rhythm, resilience, and the raw emotion of life. A storyteller through her art, she channels themes of justice, compassion, and human connection into her art. Her creations often explore social and political realities while celebrating strength, survival, and truth. 
In her Bronx NY apartment back in 2008, she founded The Urban Individualists, an international multimedia artists collective devoted to creative freedom and cultural exchange. 

Wherever her journey takes her, Helene carries the soul of New York City in just about every brushstroke.

IMAGE: “Phillipus” by Helene Ruiz, 12” x 12” acrylic on canvas.

“From here, a Queen rules the Amazons, the greatest warriors, the greatest nation in all of history. But….she does NOT, despite all her hallowed power and duty, ever rule Diana. ”  — Phillipus

Philippus played an integral role in raising Princess Diana. Over the years, she worked alongside Hippolyta to teach Diana the ways of the Amazons. When Diana reached an age where she began to use her God-given powers recklessly, it was Philippus who approached Hippolyta, asking if she could help teach Diana the lesson of humility. I draw immense strength from my maternal grandmother, who was orphaned at only two weeks old and faced numerous hardships throughout her life. Despite all the obstacles, she survived, immigrated to this country alone, and carved a path for herself. Her essence was one of unwavering humility. To me, she embodied the spirit of an Amazonian warrior—resilient, strong, and graceful,  which deepened my connection to the character. This inspired me to paint Philippus as her strength and resilience remind me of the ancient myth of the Amazons. According to legend, thousands of years ago, the Olympian goddesses—Artemis, Athena, Hestia, Demeter, and Aphrodite—gathered the souls of women slain by men throughout history and sent them to the depths of the Aegean Sea. From the sea, these souls formed bodies from clay, and thus, the Amazons were born. Philippus was one of these mighty women. The first to rise was Hippolyta, named Queen of the Amazons, followed by her sister Antiope, who became her second-in-command. Each goddess gifted the Amazons with unique strengths: Artemis gave them hunting prowess, Athena bestowed wisdom, Hestia provided warmth and home, Demeter ensured bountiful harvests, and Aphrodite granted beauty—both inner and outer. Over time, the Amazons founded Themyscira in Anatolia, becoming fierce warriors of peace, respected across Greece, Turkey, and Rome. – Helene Ruiz

annes Visual Art Studio gallery
208 West Broad Street / RVA / 23220

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March 28 – April 2, 2026