Figuratively Speaking

Harman Projects is pleased to present Figuratively Speaking, a group exhibition featuring the
 work of Riley Holloway, Aaron Nagel, Kip Omolade, and John Wentz.

Figuratively Speaking brings together four painters working primarily in figuration. Each artist's work centers on the human form however the focus, execution, and results vary widely. 

Riley Holloway offers a fresh look at figurative art. The subjects of his work are often accompanied by text and personal references adding to the narrative of these portrait-based paintings. Using traditional oil painting techniques and bold lines, the artist creates bold and impactful portraits with a sense of depth. 

Drawing inspiration from historic iconography, Aaron Nagel creates realist paintings  pairing contemporary models with symbolism from times past. These works of art may borrow compositions from medieval icon painting, or in the case of Patron Saint of Hungry Work (pictured above), incorporate traditional Japanese woodblock printing imagery into it's background.  

Invoking Benin ivory masks and Ife bronze heads, Kip Omolade's mask paintings speak to beauty, luxury and spirituality. The artist casts the model's face in plaster, followed by a reverse in resin that is chromed and photographed as reference for the final painting. 

Using broad and simplified strokes, John Wentz reduces the figure to it's core fundamentals. His abstracted and gestural paintings capture a moment similar to a memory, true to it's essence yet often unclear around the edges. 

The exhibition will be on view Saturday, August 5th through Saturday, August 26th. For more information, additional images, or exclusive content, please email Director, Raul Barquet at raul@harmanprojects.com.