“In Each Of Us There Are Many”

 

For this exhibit the multiple emotional layers of the artist’s works have been dissected to show the realization that in each of us there are many. Humans are incredibly multidimensional. We are built to adapt. To mold. To shift given each scenario. To evolve in one’s self and externally with others.

What do we choose to expose in our lives and what do we choose to conceal? In which tone of light is that exposure illuminated? How do we position these facets of ourselves to better our progression in each given circumstance? What defines our true authentic selves?

These are the concepts that have been explored in the following body of work. The notion that each of us wear many masks. In certain scenarios we are one person and in others we are another. We intuitively deliver a chosen version of ourselves in each given situation to advance our progression. These works are built from a belief that we all have a form of multiple personalities that we shift and manage to form the amalgamation of how we are perceived within the world. The works are a speculative, evolving exploration into the human perspective.

Throughout these works you will see these considerations visually manifested. You will see the organized chaos of a person who has lived a very transient life. Someone who has moved countless times around the world and who has had the opportunity to adapt to many different cultures, situations and relationships.

The viewer will experience these concepts visually uncover via fragmented, contorted beings, the contrast of both colorful and stark emotional kaleidoscopes flowing together and building tension to ultimately release a myriad of feelings within ourselves.

A universal interconnectivity of personality both externally and internally is shown abstractly within the merged and coalescing body parts, objects and scenes within the works. Intensely emotional strokes add movement and life to the different turmoils, joys and tensions within the abstracted subject matter to highlight the impassioned relationships hidden within one’s self or purposefully displayed beyond the surface.

-Grason Mikal Ratowsky

Opening Reception – May 19, 2023 – LOT I 16:00-18:00 – LOT II 18:00-20:00
Seoul, South Korea, Yongsan-gu, Hoenamu-ro, 44ga-gil, 11, Villa de VOBIA
“Let’s Read The Clouds”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
202cm H x 217cm W
“Our Kisses Kiss Life”
2022
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“Obscure Reflections”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“Everything That Exists”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“Between Us Death And Life”
Diptych
2022
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick and Canvas adhered to Canvas
145cm H x 207cm W
“Zest of the Wild Plum”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“Masked Rider’s Odyssey”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“Savage Beauties”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“Verano Gitano I”
2022
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“Harvest of Sighs”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“Verano Gitano II”
2022
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“Fractured Perceptions”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 170cm W
“Made of Light and Dark”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“The Spirit Untamed”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W
“A Primal Dance”
2023
Acrylic, Charcoal, Pastel, Oil Stick on Canvas
145cm H x 110cm W

“Artist Statement”

 

My works are physical representations of the extruded subconscious. Fragments of memories, experiences and imagination come forth to compile uniquely schematic arrangements that invite the viewer to move into a space of speculation.  Rooted in expressionism, the process involves a surge of wild strokes to a given surface with little end intention in mind. Once the vision begins to reveal itself, steps of deduction and abstraction ensue to finally highlight and exemplify form and figure.

In this way, I do not hold a definite intention to paint objectively; I paint what lies in between. I paint the writing between the lines. When a figurative object placed in a scene is brought to life in my paintings, it is not the figure itself that I am translating but the emotion it evokes. I highlight the soul of the scene rather than the universal comprehension of it. Merging the lines between post neo/abstract expressionism with surrealism and figurativism help me rearrange the usage of output to identify a hidden meaning. An unforeseen truth is revealed to the viewer in which they’re able to weave in their own personal emotional value and story.