New York’s vibrant Chelsea art scene plays host to an intriguing exhibition this autumn: “Franklin,” a collection of paintings by renowned Brooklyn-based artist Nat Meade. The exhibit finds its home in HESSE FLATOW, an avant-garde haven for contemporary artists nestled in the heart of the city.
Known for his richly textured portraits stirring with emotion, Meade’s work succeeds in fusing traditional portraiture techniques with a contemporary perspective. His latest collection, titled after Benjamin Franklin, beckons art enthusiasts from all corners of the globe to decipher his intricate anthology.
Meade’s pieces send viewers down a rabbit hole of contemplation as the veil of Franklin’s persona is peeled back bit by bit throughout the exhibition. Adopting the mirror-like introspection Franklin is famous for applying to his own life, Meade captures an array of elusive emotions in his portraits, which seem to peer back at their observers with intense scrutiny.
“Franklin” showcases 20 of Meade’s latest works, each steeped in the ominous hues that have become a signature of his oeuvre. Despite the collective title, one cannot trace an overt depiction or direct reference to Benjamin Franklin within the exhibition. This allusion prompts interpretative exploration of Meade’s intentions behind the chosen theme.
Intense, brooding figures populate the canvasses exhibiting a Profound starkness. These portraits – with their undecipherable gazes and hauntingly dark backgrounds, embody a form of vulnerability that challenges the viewer. Meade’s works in “Franklin” appear only to be loosely related to their collective namesake, embodying the array of emotions and nuances associated with the human condition.
Meade’s individual pieces reveal painstakingly meticulous detail, both in pictorial form and in the symbolism each piece cloaks. While each work exists independently, together they offer a haunting collective vision.
This exhibition comes on the heels of extensive online coverage and recognition garnered by Meade. Bold yet muted, captivating yet repelling, it has sparked widespread discussion in the art community, eliciting interest from a range of critics, collectors, enthusiasts, and casual viewers alike.
Art critic Jason Farago of The New York Times praises Meade’s skill in layering multiple lenses of perception in his portraits, creating art that is “stunning in its complexity and depth.” Online art publication ArtForum also gave the exhibit a nod, describing Meade’s figures as striking a “beautiful balance between the grotesque and the ethereal.”
Meade’s Franklin prompts several questions from the viewer, particularly about its relevance in the wider context of art history. Portraits have served as windows into the soul, capturing snapshots of character that survive the test of time. In Meade’s work, one can draw connections to the masterful Rembrandt van Rijn, evoking the depth of Dutch portraiture.
However, this Brooklyn-based artist takes portraiture to new dimensions, incorporating a layer of abstraction and fragmentation that speaks volumes to today’s global society. This nuanced balance of historic allusion and modern exploration echoes through the halls of HESSE FLATOW, adding an intense layer of allure to the gallery experience provided by the New York-based venue.
“Franklin” is not just an exhibit; it’s a journey through the labyrinthine corridors of the human psyche. It takes us a step closer to answering the age-old question: Who are we, and why are we here?
With “Franklin,” Nat Meade has clearly established himself as a unique and thoughtful force in the contemporary art scene. The exhibition runs until mid-November, providing ample opportunity for art lovers to experience his enigma firsthand at the HESSE FLATOW gallery. The unfolding story of Nat Meade’s artistic evolution continues to captivate audiences, sparking conversations about contemporary art’s place in modern society. Whether you’re a seasoned art aficionado or a newcomer to the scene, “Franklin” promises to provide a unique and enlightening experience.
Original Source: https://www.juxtapoz.com/news/painting/nat-meade-s-franklin-hesse-flatow-nyc/
