Merry Karnowsky Gallery is pleased to present "Somewhere Else,' the newest solo exhibition by artist Vonn Sumner.
Sumner's works are uniquely peculiar: his subjects are arrayed in ludicrous costumes and freeze-framed in farcical actions, and yet exude a mystical level of straight-faced conviction. At first glance his paintings could be the work of an anthropologist, documenting the ceremonial garb of some lost tribe. Instead of feathers, fangs and bone, their costumes are assembled from the detritus of modernity, from trash can lids to throw away kitsch. The nature of the rituals depicted may be lost to the average observer, but their appeal is not. In Sumner's own words, "The figures' gestures and situations alternate between the heroic and the ridiculous, suggesting commentary on human folly and the mystery of existence." Beneath the veneer of absurdist humor lies an almost infinite possibility for deeper engagement.
Clearly, a sense of humor does not negate serious technical consideration. Sumner's aesthetic is carefully constructed and fine-tuned to highlight the emotional and psychological implications. Every detail is vital and cumulative to the final effect of his paintings. Sumner explains: "The limited palette, often nearly monochromatic, takes the paintings another step removed from 'realism' and gives them a sense of fiction, fable or fairy tale ... at the same time the limited palette emphasizes the formalism of the paintings and places them in a pictorial territory somewhere between painting and drawing."
To Sumner, "Somewhere Else" represents the fulfilment of a "personal vision that combines figuration and abstraction, performance and minimalism, art-historical reference and contemporary pathos." His style is easily recognizable and resonant, reminiscent of the portraits of René Magritte and of the aesthetic of Fritz Lang's iconic silent film, Metropolis. Like stills from that 1927 silent film, each of Sumner's paintings are visually powerful enough to conjure up a world in which what we are seeing just might make sense.
Vonn Sumner obtained his Master of Fine Arts from University of California, Davis and was mentored by renowned artist Wayne Thiebaud. His work has been exhibited throughout the United States, as well as, in London and Italy, and has been published in Art Ltd., LA Weekly, NY Arts Magazine, and New American Paintings among many others.
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Merry Karnowsky Gallery is also pleased to present "Slow Chemical Orchestra", Jeff Koegel's second solo show with the gallery. The exhibition will run from May 18 through June 15, 2013, with an opening reception on Saturday, May 18 from 8 to 11 pm.
Sumner's works are uniquely peculiar: his subjects are arrayed in ludicrous costumes and freeze-framed in farcical actions, and yet exude a mystical level of straight-faced conviction. At first glance his paintings could be the work of an anthropologist, documenting the ceremonial garb of some lost tribe. Instead of feathers, fangs and bone, their costumes are assembled from the detritus of modernity, from trash can lids to throw away kitsch. The nature of the rituals depicted may be lost to the average observer, but their appeal is not. In Sumner's own words, "The figures' gestures and situations alternate between the heroic and the ridiculous, suggesting commentary on human folly and the mystery of existence." Beneath the veneer of absurdist humor lies an almost infinite possibility for deeper engagement.
Clearly, a sense of humor does not negate serious technical consideration. Sumner's aesthetic is carefully constructed and fine-tuned to highlight the emotional and psychological implications. Every detail is vital and cumulative to the final effect of his paintings. Sumner explains: "The limited palette, often nearly monochromatic, takes the paintings another step removed from 'realism' and gives them a sense of fiction, fable or fairy tale ... at the same time the limited palette emphasizes the formalism of the paintings and places them in a pictorial territory somewhere between painting and drawing."
To Sumner, "Somewhere Else" represents the fulfilment of a "personal vision that combines figuration and abstraction, performance and minimalism, art-historical reference and contemporary pathos." His style is easily recognizable and resonant, reminiscent of the portraits of René Magritte and of the aesthetic of Fritz Lang's iconic silent film, Metropolis. Like stills from that 1927 silent film, each of Sumner's paintings are visually powerful enough to conjure up a world in which what we are seeing just might make sense.
Vonn Sumner obtained his Master of Fine Arts from University of California, Davis and was mentored by renowned artist Wayne Thiebaud. His work has been exhibited throughout the United States, as well as, in London and Italy, and has been published in Art Ltd., LA Weekly, NY Arts Magazine, and New American Paintings among many others.
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Merry Karnowsky Gallery is also pleased to present "Slow Chemical Orchestra", Jeff Koegel's second solo show with the gallery. The exhibition will run from May 18 through June 15, 2013, with an opening reception on Saturday, May 18 from 8 to 11 pm.
Vonn Sumner (Main Gallery)
Jeff Koegel (Square Gallery)
May 18 - June 15, 2013
Opening Reception:
Saturday May 18, 8-11pm
RSVP mandatory, please email to:
info@mkgallery.com
Guest list at the door
Merry Karnowsky Gallery
(in the ART 170 Building)
170 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-4408
info@mkgallery.com
www.mkgallery.com
Tuesday - Saturday, 12-6pm
Jeff Koegel (Square Gallery)
May 18 - June 15, 2013
Opening Reception:
Saturday May 18, 8-11pm
RSVP mandatory, please email to:
info@mkgallery.com
Guest list at the door
Merry Karnowsky Gallery(in the ART 170 Building)
170 S. La Brea Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 933-4408
info@mkgallery.com
www.mkgallery.com
Tuesday - Saturday, 12-6pm
