Bren West
March 15 - April 20 2024
Opening Reception
Friday, March 15 4-7 PM
Artist Reception &
Last Fridays Art Walk
Friday, Mar 29th, 2024 6 - 9 PM
Plus, Poetry and Storytelling Open Mic
Gallery open Saturdays 11-5,
By appointment and serendipity
Artist Statement:
This body of work explores the interconnectedness that exists between us and our environment, emphasizing the balance of shadow and light, as well as the dynamic relationship between man and nature, and artist and medium.
In the context of humanity and nature, it highlights the ongoing and intricate relationship between the two, where they mutually influence and shape each other. The work also reflects on the limitations we impose on ourselves and the potential for growth beyond those boundaries, promoting a more open and expansive perspective on life.
Throughout the intuitive creation process, the medium itself informed the artwork, facilitating an interplay between elements within compositions and the dry, powdery medium of burnt wood and water. Figures within the pieces symbolize the intertwining of humanity and nature, with limbs merging with branches and faces reflecting the landscapes they inhabit or hope to.
The eternal dance between humanity and nature, artist and medium, mingle into a harmonious interplay, inviting contemplation on our place in the vast, interconnected world.
About Bren West
b. 1977, South Africa
Born and raised in a diverse Johannesburg, South Africa, art & design has always been an intrinsic part of my life, personality, and identity.
Due to the constant need to attach meaning to every color in the design industry, I began creating more monochromatic work with little to no color in my private art practice which is in contrast to my highly colorful Illustrative work of past years. With my studies in film photography in my formative years my art practice has gravitated to the grainy high contrast use of black and white imagery, striping away the unnecessary and letting the medium speak through mark-making, subject and composition. As such, charcoal and graphite is a now a frequently used medium with bold strokes of light and dark. It is expressive and immediate. It suits my nature. Sometimes used in painterly way together with monotone splashes of color as needed.
My work evolves during the process of experimentation with the style varying. Leaning towards heavier and darker mark-making drawing inspiration from everyday life and the human condition translating into various imagery ranging from figurative to abstract.
It the past few years I have been drawn to creating large scale portraits resembling the people I came across living in a large and colorful African city. In an effort to capture a tiny glimpse through the eyes and expressions of a person.
Since moving here I have found inspiration in exploring the vast open landscapes and the scenes of American life that is all new to me. It’s my own commentary or journal. Currently experimenting on raw canvas with powder and dry mediums. Letting these inform the artwork and allowing more free expression to create evocative and emotive imagery.
I am excited to see how this moves my body of work forward, hopeful that it will be engaging enough to resonate. Evocative and emotive imagery is what I strive to create.