THE FOURTH WALL
JULY 15-AUGUST 19, 2023
On Saturday, the 15th of July, the reputable Corey Helford Gallery (CHG), located in the heart of Los Angeles, is set to exhibit an exclusive four-artist display, known as "The Fourth Wall." This event will highlight novel creations by Chloe Early, an accomplished Irish oil painter, the UK's gifted mixed-media artists HUSH and Ian Francis, as well as the renowned Indonesian artist RYOL.
The vibrant series named "Day-Glo Wanderstar," forthcoming from Chloe Early, is an array of fresh oil paintings that illustrate a female persona bathed in color and floating in an undefined environment, exploring the concept of flying as an act of fancy. The persona is depicted engaging with a flotation device, introducing an ambiguity around who is providing support to whom. Are these rings a lifeline or an encumbrance for the main character to bear?
Reflecting on her captivating new pieces, Early comments: “My fascination lies with spherical items, as they hold a symbolic value for me, representing the continuous circle of life, reminiscent of the planetary systems with their rings and celestial orbits. The swimming rings, reminiscent of carefree childhood memories, summer vacations, and leisurely pursuits, add an element of whimsical escapism. I wanted to juxtapose these light-hearted human activities against a backdrop of profound darkness and void, similar to outer space. The concept of gravity is non-existent in these paintings, which are titled referencing avian flight patterns, color terminology, and various aspects of astronomy. The use of color is crucial in my work, symbolizing the stark contrast between the dark, mysterious night and the bright, radiant sun.” This series, "Day-Glo Wanderstar," is Early's fourth solo exhibition at CHG, following her small-scale series "Phoenix" that debuted in April 2022.
The artistic endeavor of HUSH blends the vibrancy of urban inspiration with time-honored techniques, creating a unique artistic tapestry. The use of a layering technique not only enhances the aesthetic depth and intricacy of his creations but also cultivates a potent link to the lively culture of street art. It acts as an integrative channel that merges the controlled ambiance of his studio with the raw, ever-evolving spirit of the cityscape. By echoing street art within his creative framework, HUSH acknowledges its impact, infusing its essence into his pieces.
Central to HUSH's art are the mysterious feminine figures that populate his pieces. These intriguing entities radiate a potent blend of resilience and charm. The depiction of womanhood in HUSH's work is multi-dimensional, delving into the exploration of beauty, self-identity, and empowerment.
Regarding his new series, Ian Francis shares: “The main focus of my work is the artificial, constructed realities we see through screens that make up so much of our daily life and experience, the worlds of films, TV programs, computer games, and the internet, and the threat of them falling apart. With these paintings, I was interested in starting to explore obliquely my own reaction to some of the impacts of the isolation and distancing caused by the pandemic. I’ve found it a difficult subject to explore visually in a way that feels true to me, but there’s a sense of emptiness and separation from one another that seems to permeate this moment.” Adding, “There's something about the layered nature of paint that fascinates me. I really like the interplay between applying paint in a very transparent, delicate way juxtaposed with using it in a much more raw, abstract, and chaotic way that threatens to break apart and obliterate the detail, structures, and patterns. My work has always been heavily based on photography and film because I'm interested in the way people perceive themselves and each other through lenses and screens rather than physical reality.”
Regarding his new series, titled Togetherness, RYOL shares: “These new works celebrate the togetherness I have with the people closest to me, as well as express togetherness in simple things I’ve experienced or encountered in the environment. The way I imitate pop culture, such as the anime and cartoon figures I received as a child, cannot be separated from the way pop artists work. Like other pop artists, who frequently adopt icons from mass culture, such as advertisements, photos, comic strips, magazines, films, or other sources related to mass products/cultures. As a pop artist it is a dilemma for me. I feel the same way when I paint popular images on canvas. The hybrid image composition can be seen in the Felix Silhouette series. At first glance, it appears to be a mutant, combining the imagery of anime and western
cartoons in the same figure. This composition is not present by chance. It is a response to my doubts about plagiarism in art. In contrast, Western Pop Art rides mass culture and frequently engages in appropriation. Therefore, I choose to deconstruct rather than imitate. I don't feel associated with Pop Art in the West. My perspective as a growing consumer of popular culture in the age of globalization is an authentic part of the artistic process.”