New Yorkers in the know are likely already familiar with Stephanie Ketty through her work as a longtime #HBIC at global event photography firm BFA. But this weekend, the social scene-savvy cool girl stepped into the spotlight to share her work as a passionate fine artist.

After years of taking brush to canvas, Ketty presented her debut art show, titled The Only Way Out is Through, on Saturday at Soho's Café Lyria.

"This body of work was incredibly personal to me, and represents my identity as not only an artist, but a deeper part of myself that took a long time to lean into how I wanted to express it. New York became an avenue of how the show is framed. Because each of the 12 pieces is a manifestation of each year I've lived in NYC - so, quite literally, my path through the past 12 years," Ketty says of her pieces.

"In that time, I've been inspired by the magic that comes from tension, and the way abstract forms help me make sense of duality - how we see contrast and overlap and integration of complex feelings and thoughts. Softness and hustle, self-censorship v. expression. The magic is in the nuance. To this point, music has been an integral shepherd in my process, because for me, complex layers of sound and inner vision are inextricably linked to how I feel through the world and my place in it."

Unsurprisingly, a slew of the city's coolest came out to toast the artist of the hour while perusing her colorful collection of bold, abstract paintings which were on display throughout the venue. From nightlife and hospitality gurus Carlos Quirarte, Ashwin Deshmukh, and Steven Rojas, to stylish about-town regulars and, of course, the BFA crew including Ben Rosser, Matteo Prandoni, Neil Rasmus, and David X. Prutting, the who's who of New York was there to celebrate. The evening's turnout was so large, in fact, that half the crowd could be found spilling out and mingling on the sidewalk out front (always a key feature of a good art opening).

"I want to express my endless gratitude towards the people who came to see the show - friends, family, colleagues, industry partners, and people who continue to inspire me every day. This show embodies my gratitude, not only for the discovery process, but for everyone who has been on it with me and supported me," adds Ketty.

Click through for an inside look!

[Photos courtesy of BFA]

Eve Grillo, Stephanie Ketty, Ariel Grey Watson

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