Neo-grotesque master Christian Rex van Minnen (featured in Hi-Fructose Vol. 25) seems to be amid a highly prolific period. Following up several group shows and a solo show at Copro Gallery last fall, he will debut his solo show, “Welsh Rats,” at Robischon Gallery in Denver on March 14. For this new series, van Minnen seems to push the boundaries of his aesthetic visually and psychologically. The disfigured portraits become more rooted in the present day as tattoos and haircuts suggest a sense of horrifying realism. Even Vanitas still lifes are not safe when touched by van Minnen. He presents a series of floral bouquets that one must look at with squinted eyes for fear of unexpectedly discovering some amorphous, fleshy lump or bulbous pile of bile among the candy-colored floral ornaments. Take a look at our preview of “Welsh Rats” below, images courtesy of Christian Rex van Minnen.
