BasketShop is thrilled to present the first solo exhibition of artist Helena Rocha Gonzalez. Rocha's paintings suggest a surreal and otherworldly aura characterized by “sonoluminescence”, a phenomenon where a sound wave is used to emit light from collapsing bubbles in a liquid. Suggesting that the act of painting serves as a refuge for the artist and portrays the artist's experience of being immersed in her own creations. Inner-worlds where water and gas intertwine reflect the profound solitude of the subconscious and evoke an environment that contains light without a sun. Through surreal landscapes and abstract self-portraits, Rocha’s immersion into this atmosphere belies the act of creation and becomes a sanctuary where she can explore the depths of her own psyche, navigating the intricate interplay between external forms and internal sensations.

Utilizing a diverse range of mediums, including vibrant oil paints and intricate graphite rubbings, Rocha crafts images inspired by her dreams and her neurodivergent experiences. Each work in Sonoluminescence serves as a reflection of her innermost thoughts and emotions, capturing the essence of her identity in abstract form. By portraying herself through abstraction, the artist transcends the limitations of literal representation, delving into the complexities of her subconscious with greater depth and nuance.

The show will be accompanied by a sound installation by Bomb Erotica, Rocha’s fiancé, Cooper Tavarez. The sounds portray the dichotomy above and below water as you dive into a world of synthesized oceanscapes. The music expands on the themes of Sonoluminescence, and helps the visual language take on new meanings as the score progresses, and the two worlds swim together.

Helena Rocha Gonzalez, born and raised in Cincinnati of Mexican-Irish heritage, found her artistic education at an early age from the School for Creative and Performing Arts that in turn led her to a BFA from the Art Academy of Cincinnati in 2023. Rocha's landscapes and portraits echo the silent struggles of mental illness and feminine mixed human, the relentless quest for self-discovery. Her accolades include consecutive awards from the Hyde Park Art Show for her paintings and other notable inclusions at venues such as Wave Pool, Clay Core, the Contemporary Arts Center, the Art Academy of Cincinnati.


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3105 Harrison Ave | Cincinnati, Ohio

Hours:Fri-Sat: 1-6pm

To Schedule a viewing or tour please send us a message.

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Travel to BasketShop


(from Northside – Chase and Hamilton) … 3.9 miles

(from Fountain Square – 520 Vine St.) … 7.5 miles

(from University of Cincinnati – Clifton) … 5.7 miles

Bus Routes - #21 & #41