Jon MacNair opens windows into cryptic worlds with his monochromatic pen-and-ink drawings. His work has a decidedly vintage, if not medieval, feel. The artist renders elaborate depictions of self-created myths and legends, but rather than being grandiose, the tone of his work is self-aware and humorous. Demons and shamans mug for the viewer while performing rituals and spells. Some of his drawings show gratuitous, cartoon violence akin to that of heavy metal album art and skateboard graphics. MacNair has a solo show opening at Portland’s Antler Gallery this Thursday, August 28, titled “Age of Enigmas.” In addition to his own work, the exhibition will feature MacNair’s collaborations with five other artists he admires: Jennifer Parks, Trudy Creen, Mark Burt, Ian Anderson, and Michael Hsiung.
Having indexed many of the monsters he’s created over the past several years, illustrator and fine artist Stan Manoukian continues to create riveting scenes with these creatures in their natural habitats. Though the artist has a talent in color, his narratives take on a particularly absorbing quality when rendered only in graphite or inks.
The paintings and drawings of David Welker have adorned rock posters, public spaces, and gallery walls. Each offers Welker’s distinct sensibility influenced fantasy, independent comics, and surrealist fine art.