Solo Exhibition: Rock, Boulder, Solid.
Chris Denovan
(b. 1983 South Africa)
Solo Exhibition 28th Jan 2023
Rock, Boulder, Solid.
In this new body of work, Chris Denovan creates paintings and sketches depicting a surreal, exterior world full of both strength and vulnerability. Focusing on the male form, non-toxic masculinity, nature, love and companionship, Denovan uses the medium of paint in textural, bold and fine washes of colour overlaid upon thickly applied base coats as his mode of expression.
In his ongoing quest for new ways to depict the human form, the artist found himself at a turning point last year whilst on an art residency in Sicily. There, Denovan swapped paintbrush for the sturdy pencil and paper and inspired by the ancient stone architecture of the region, he set to merging hard rock with soft bodily limbs. Once back home in Cape Town, these figures evolved further with charcoal and grew into more abstracted, simple shapes depicting the male form. In his work, these characters are shown in groups interacting with each other in playful, carefree environments. Always in nature and with only a hint of the man-made in their objects and clothing, they live in a world of towering, solid abstract shapes and blocks. The figures are themselves large in limb and exude a strength similar to the rock-like scenery they live amongst. At one with nature, even their facial features seem to be made of water puddles or stony pebbles. Whether they are collecting flowers on a large rowing boat or taking a break whilst hiking, there is a stoic silence to these men that evokes a sense of peace. Their carefree nature exudes feelings of joy, love and companionship, content to just be themselves amongst each other free of judgment and the pressures of challenging times.
Denovan's references come from a myriad of sources for his painting practice. He takes images from the internet, books or photographs that he then splices together and cuts up to create unique collages. From here, the artist creates narrative scenes with large areas of soft gradients forming the base for delicate "sweat-like" dots that shimmer on large limbs and skinny dashes of paint that float whimsically in the air. The juxtaposition of objects and form in his work creates a balanced energy that wavers between a heavy weight and a cool lightness. Not only does this add substance and meaning to Denovan’s scenes, but it also evokes the feeling that we are witness to an important moment or a pause in time, full of quiet and carefully considered thoughts.
In the world Denovan has created, the strong, solid figures possess a sense of stability with an undercurrent of softness to their activities. One figure seems uncertain whether to give his companion a gift of a flower whilst others dance with a small swarm of abstracted fireflies. Sometimes their solid nature becomes ghostly transparent and seems to merge with the boulders in the background. At the heart of it all, for Denovan these figures symbolize a rock to cling to in turbulent times and mirror his longtime relationship and marriage to his husband Dale. This show is dedicated to him.
