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Post by lowpro on Nov 26, 2008 23:00:09 GMT -8
 Amsterdam artist Chris Berens first U.S. exhibition.  Amsterdam artist Chris Berens is an anomaly in the art world, an expert painter who does not use traditional media (he uses inks on photo paper rather than oils on canvas...and NO digital or photographic elements whatsoever), but creates some of the most compellingly executed, enigmatic, and emotionally resonant paintings seen in a long time. His work features a fantastical mélange of exotic creatures and 18th century imagery, floating in buttermilk colored clouds or silvery sea blues. Photo realistic, totem-like animals and distorted childlike people float like dreams through blurry surrealistic European cityscapes or drift on stormy seas on decrepit ships in a soft focus haze, shimmering as if in a fevered dream. It is almost shocking to look at, but in the gentlest of ways.  Beyond the wondrous imagery there is another startling and unusual aspect to Chris' work, in which the smooth, translucent look of the his medium of choice (ink on thin plastic over wood panel) is contrasted with fact that the paintings are patch-worked together, in pieces ranging from 1 to 3 inches across. Each section has been been painted numerous times and layered over each other and each segment flows seamlessly into each other, creating a cohesive image. This technique creates images with such depth, that along with his soft focus look and technical perfection make most people assume they are seeing digital imagery or manipulated photographs (at least when seeing it on a printed page or on a computer screen- in person the work has the “artist’s hand”- a sense of aliveness digital work can not capture). However it is entirely created and painted by hand with painstaking skill, time, and precision from beginning to end.  |
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Post by lowpro on Nov 26, 2008 23:03:23 GMT -8
And this was posted over in his thread, but I think it's worthy of including here as it's an image of his newest work and something from this upcoming show. Just amazing! I'm truly looking forward to this show!  |
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ill
Full Member
Posts: 158
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Post by ill on Nov 26, 2008 23:06:25 GMT -8
I don't know if I have ever anticipated a show as much as this one. I really have no idea what beautiful and haunting images we'll be presented with, and frankly I can't wait.
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Post by roqlarue on Nov 28, 2008 12:44:12 GMT -8
Hi- I just wanted to say I sent out a heads up email to Chris' waiting list as to when the preview would be released. If you were on the list and didn't get an email let me know!
-Kirsten
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Post by devours on Nov 30, 2008 13:36:55 GMT -8
....sigh...
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Post by sleepboy on Dec 1, 2008 9:21:23 GMT -8
OMFG. His work is amazing. I haven't felt this way about an artist in a while. My favorite.  Lowpro posted some other images here. |
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Post by jakewaldron on Dec 1, 2008 9:33:18 GMT -8
I wasn't sure how I felt when I first saw his work. The pieces like the tiger and everything didn't really do it for me. These newer pieces though, damn. They're pretty amazing.
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Post by virtu on Dec 1, 2008 9:42:04 GMT -8
Mind Blowing Talent  Really outstanding show! |
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Post by devours on Dec 1, 2008 12:32:30 GMT -8
I have not coveted pieces like this for a long long time. Congrats to any who can pick a piece up! Love this show.
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Post by Bytor on Dec 2, 2008 4:55:32 GMT -8
Ya know, I really love his work and it is so dream like to me.I really think I want to start collecting his work.
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Post by sleepboy on Dec 5, 2008 20:19:17 GMT -8
Wish i could be there in person  |
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Post by commandax on Dec 11, 2008 21:27:28 GMT -8
I'll be flying up to Seattle tomorrow for this show. Will anyone else be there?
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ill
Full Member
Posts: 158
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Post by ill on Dec 11, 2008 21:37:44 GMT -8
I'll be flying up to Seattle tomorrow for this show. Will anyone else be there? Yeah I'm heading down too. I'm ridiculously excited. |
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Post by commandax on Dec 11, 2008 23:31:51 GMT -8
I'll see you there, then!
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