My friend Blake Rayne, in case there was any doubt, is a genius. You have only to set foot into Miguel Abreu’s gallery on the lower east side and drink in the incredible, elegant canvasses which, true to his artistic bent, move painting in a new and thought provoking direction.
I am no expert, and you’d do better to read what the art grownups have to say if you want to hear about his place in the pantheon, and how his philosophies merge or conflict with the general status quo. Or at least, read the press release. All I know is that the moment I entered the room I was swept away by the combination of stark sophistication and unbridled use of color (see below) that represent just the tip of the massive iceberg that is the morass of questions and issues about art, painting and the artist’s role that Blake Rayne is valliantly trying to resolve. Or at least address.
click below for more images, etc:
But for me, a person who tends to go with my gut feeling before all others (which has gotten me into trouble before, but you know what they say about old dogs…) these paintings take my breath away because they are both stunningly beautiful and they address some very difficult and mind bending conflicts surrounding the role of painting in the contemporary world. And even if I don’t come up with any definitive conclusions myself, I do feel like I have been invited to be a part of the conversation, which is all one can hope for in this day and age.
The show, titled Folder and Application, is up through June 26 at the Miguel Abreu gallery (36 Orchard Street NYC 212.995.1774) If you are anywhere near that area, and even if you’re not, the show is not to be missed.
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