"Paintings in the Hue of Forever"

Yesterday I went on a walk and visited the new art exhibit at Rotofugi Gallery. The art changes every month or two. The current exhibit is called "Paintings in the Hue of Forever" and is a collection of new works by ChrisRWK. I have to say I was really impressed with the exhibit, it gave me some food for thought, and I would recommend it to anyone in Chicago and who might have a chance to go. It is up until Feb 13.

From Rotofugi's web page:

A child of the 70’s into the 80s, ChrisRWK’s world was often completely flooded with the imagery and ideas presented by his television, his comic books, and the music and movies of the time. Immersed in these various mediums, ChrisRWK began to store the images brought forward though these everyday experiences in what he refers to as a "mental journal". This journal was a haven of his thoughts that he could refer back to whenever necessary. ChrisRWK’s paintings frequently cite past conceptions of popular culture embedded in his psyche's cache.

This use of intertextuality also serves to offer a comfort or familiarity of sorts to the viewer. ChrisRWK’s works frequently reveal everyday musings and people one would pass on the street without looking or thinking about twice. These images also aid ChrisRWK in the creation of a visual language comprised of his own iconographic imagery. Through the repetition of this imagery, ChrisRWK strives to familiarize his viewers with the language he has constructed. ChrisRWK believes that the notions within his pieces serve as a backbone to the many stories created by the onlooker when he or she is viewing the work.

Here are a few of the paintings which really caught my eye: 

not only heroes fly

I really loved the combination of Comic Panels, Robot and Hearts in this work. 

(The robot seems to be in most of ChrisRWK's Work

bright hearts in dark times                standing with you    

      

together in the dark times

These three pieces which were sprinkled throughout the show really spoke to me and the internal wrestling I have been doing recently around life, the universe and everything. 

I also have to say all these paintings are much more impressive in person. So if you live in Chicago and have the chance to go to see this exhibition I would recommend it.