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Email PageClose at Hand
November 1, 2006- November 25, 2006
Reception: November 4, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Stephen Tanis
Sherry French Gallery
601 W 26th St Stephen Tanis Scuffle |
While inspired by the Italian and Spanish Masters, Stephen Tanis propels his work into the here and now. Using light as a means of organization for his compositions, Tanis fully understands and controls color relationships in a way that brings an opulent three-dimensional illusion to his canvases. Edges are not defined by the boundary of a line, but by the collision of warm and cool colors. His works are closely observed, yielding sensuality, assertiveness of individual brush strokes, and detailed description.
Featured in the show is the striking painting entitled, "Shells," with a precisely painted rug providing texture and contrast against the smooth surfaces of an array of shells. Color is repeated throughout; the warm reds of the rug highlight the soft orange undertones of the shells, all converging to create a harmonious three-dimensional glow within and around the objects.
Tanis' figure paintings are unique in that they arrest some of life's most significant moments; without appearing preachy, he is able to arouse a keen awareness. This can be seen in one of his most compelling paintings, "Srebrenica," a powerful symbol for peace and justice in the world. This large-scale painting is a reaction to the 1995 genocide by Bosnian Serbs who claimed the lives of somewhere between 7,000 and 10,000 Bosnian Muslims. Though a particular tragedy inspired the painting, it stands for the political unrest of all time and represents all people who find themselves caught in devastating circumstances.
"Scuffle" is another nearly life-sized figure painting of a quarrel between men made graceful and calming. Without a direct connection to any specific political agenda or event, Tanis' theme is clear and universal. The visual harmony between the figures creates a statement of poignant emotion caught in an instant in time. Again, Tanis successfully yields a sense of reality, while simultaneously transforming such reality into a more intense and opulent display of veracity. ??
The contemporary visual and intellectual works of Stephen Tanis heighten the connection to one's soul. Through the expressive art of painting, Tanis reminds us of a world that is bigger than us all. He inspires us to consider the significance of those now gone and to listen to the voices of those not heard. Stephen Tanis' passion and capacity for translating the human condition under the most trying of circumstances is sure to arouse the senses and the mind, helping each of us to discover the sublimity of everyday life. For further information, contact Sherry French at 212 647-8867.
Books and DVDs related to artists in this show
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Sherry French Gallery was last updated: 2008-11-21
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