Post by lastritesgallery on Dec 30, 2014 11:35:33 GMT -8
Vincent Xeus
“Love, Fragmented Traditions”
January 3rd – February 14th, 2015
***Opening Reception Saturday, January 10th, 7 - 11pm***
*The artist will be present
To be placed on this preview list, please email Erica at info@lastritesgallery.tv
New York, NY (January 10th, 2015) – Last Rites Gallery is honored to present “Love, Fragmented Traditions”, new work by Vincent Xeus, in what will be his first solo show at the gallery. “Love, Fragmented Traditions” will include 31 new paintings that embrace, yet challenge the traditions of Italian and Dutch old master painting with an exploration of modern and contemporary practices and observations. Xeus’ focus on the precision and perfected techniques of old masters such as Rembrandt and Caravaggio is revolutionized as he evokes the gestural qualities of Alberto Giacommetti, the impasto style of Lucian Freud and the raw emotion of Francis Bacon, culminating an aesthetic all of his own and serving as an avenue of internal and individual reflection.
Xeus’ work beams with life. Gestural drips and pours, impasto strokes and evocative poignant, chiaroscuro laden compositions absorb viewers in timeless, sentient windows teeming with emotion and vigor. Minimalist layouts are employed; the subject’s gaze with evidence of the artists hand provides the context and emotional entrapment often found in narrative paintings and takes it even further. Xeus captures more than the core of his classically depicted subjects. Each painting with their qualities of the ethereal along with an oneiric sensibility hark to the subconscious mind and truly depict the very essence of what makes us individuals. The essence of his subjects are presented in ways unforeseen. Feelings of discomfort,refuge and/or enlightenment are all experienced. Xeus presents alternative ways of seeing the temporal world. His work is a tour de force of all that was, is and will be.
“What defines who we are – our past or our attempt to break free from it?”
As each tradition is challenged and broken, the artist is met with conflict. This experience encapsulates a pivotal moment in Xeus’ personal evolution as he bathes at this crossroad and finds his next path and within it, a unique growth and continued reiteration of a love for painting. “Love, Fragmented Traditions” is a series of paintings that has been built on past work to form a new dialogue and serve as an evolutionary step for the artist. Human beings have been questioning themselves and the world around them since the dawn of time. This innate trait of curiosity and interrogation has lead to personal growth and the advancement of our species. From these challenging moments, new beauty and understanding are born.
“In the process of questioning traditions and challenging preconceptions, some of the most precious things endure, new understandings are born and true loves are found.”
