02 . 03 . 24

30 . 03 . 24

Chris Denovan

(b. 1983 South Africa)

The mighty Kalashnikov Gallery is set to showcase a body of work fresh from the studio. This milestone marks a 12th solo show and more excitingly a debut for me in Johannesburg.

Kalashnikov Gallery is located on 72 6th St, Parkhurst, Randburg, 2193, South Africa.

The doors will open on Saturday, the 2nd of March at 11 am – 2pm.
The Show runs until the 30th of March.

 Denovan's artistic exploration delves into the intricate interplay between opposing forces such as order and chaos, pleasure and danger, love and war. With studio spaces in both South Africa and the South of Italy, his creations bear the imprint of classical Greek aesthetics, offering a modern perspective on figuration and portraiture.

His canvases come alive with bodies depicted in distorted forms, engaged in a provocative dance that weaves a captivating tapestry of energy—an homage to hedonism. The artist skilfully blends strong masculine figures in a nod to the cubist tradition, where boundaries dissolve, and abstraction takes precedence. Through the use of transparent and solid textures, Denovan masterfully captures both the robust strength and delicate vulnerability of his characters. The infusion of sumptuous colors adds a luminous and sensual quality to his work.

Beyond visual representation Denovan's work prompts contemplation on the complexities of existence, identity, and the perpetual interplay of light and shadow. His artistic vision encourages us to embrace the inherent beauty found within the realms of ambiguity and transformation, as he opens a doorway to the profound intricacies of the human experience.

His vibrant compositions, pulsating with lively hues, reveal a subtle undercurrent of complexity and intrigue upon closer inspection. Denovan masterfully orchestrates an equilibrium between pleasure and pain, inviting viewers into fantasy-like worlds that evoke both blissful enchantment and ominous undertones. Beyond mere depiction, his art sparks contemplation on the complexities of existence, identity, and the eternal interplay of light and shadow.

Denovan's transcendent work goes beyond traditional expression, offering glimpses into the depths of the human psyche and the universal struggle for balance amid life's turbulence. His art resonates on a profound and introspective level, inviting audiences to ponder the complexities of their own inner landscapes.

Request a Catalogue from Kalashnikovv Gallery by using the link below and follow me on Instagram to keep up to date with whats going on in my Studio at the iconic Bijou Building in Cape Town.