COLIN BROWN AT FISCHBACH GALLERY

COLIN BROWN - SELVA OSCURA - FISCHBACH GALLERY * PARTIAL IMAGE*One of the galleries that helped put Chelsea on the Art world map has a gem of a show happening now!  By showcasing American artists with a unique eye and style, Fischbach Gallery has built a reputation that warrants attention from collectors from around the world.   This month artist Colin Brown  and his collection of "Blackboards" gives yet another example of the eclectic and fantastic talent that Fischbach curates.COLIN BROWN - THE 9TH LAKE - REVISED

Brown is a native New Yorker who grew up in the creative playground that only NYC can provide.  The energy and pulse that keeps New York moving produces talented creatives in all areas of the arts by the year, decade, and century.  The 23rd story view from his parent's apartment was more than a passive inspiration for Brown as a child and clearly in his adulthood and ultimately his work.

The time consuming process involved in creating these unique works of art that Brown calls "Blackboards" is painstaking.  

COLIN BROWN - HOUSE OF THE MORNING STARFirst, Brown applies a white under surface on a panel and then applies the black layers of dusted nickel, carbon, and charcoal powder.   It is with a jeweler's tool that brown removes tiny bits of black again and again, creating the illusion of light.   These works first appear to be night photographs, which by themselves would be desirable enough to purchase.   Once you realize the level of detail and craft involved, it really takes the work to another level completely.

Selva Oscura or Dark Forrest was the title aptly chosen for this show that has an interesting balance of darkness and light.   The reference of course, to Dante and his masterpiece - The Divine Comedy.    After all, New York has long been the place of great extremes - both magical and maniacal!

I promise you will not find another artist today, in any gallery showing,  that has such finely crafted works of art with this level of sophistication.

The show runs through May 21st and you can contact the gallery by clicking - BROWN BLACKBOARDS at FISCHBACH.   

Fischbach Gallery is located at 210 11th Avenue between 24th & 25th Streets.  

NARCISSIST BY NATURE - PATO PAEZ

YOSHITOMO NARA IS NOBODY'S FOOL

TOO YOUNG TO DIE - YOSHITOMO NARAFor an artist to find his voice, find his style, and then find an audience is no small feat.   Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara has a unique vision of the world.  Seen through the eyes of little children and puppies, Nara's world can seem like a cold and lonely place.   The large eyes of his subjects are somewhat of a Rorschach test.  A range of emotion is there,  from sadness, to bitterness, to loneliness - or is it?  Are the children spoiled brats or just neglected?  It is interesting to learn that Nara was raised by working class parents and was like so many of generation what was called a latch-key kid.   (A termed coined in the 70's referring to kids who came home to an empty house after school due to both parents working, which was still a novelty).

Nara has a cult following around the world.  His work is KITTY2 - YOSHITOMO NARAmerchandised in a whole range of items from t-shirts to note cards.   The latest show of Nara's work was at the Asia Society on New York's Park Avenue.   The show, entitled Nobody's Fool brought these little children to life with a life-size tree house, cottage, & playrooms throughout.  The show is over, but you can still view it on-line by clicking the above links.  Shop the Asia Society Gift Shop now.