Lauren Marx, “The Sweet Song of Summer” 2015, ballpoint pen, Ink, ink pencils, colored pencil, graphite, and gel pen on hot-pressed watercolor paper
To the artists in Roq La Rue‘s upcoming exhibition “Lush Life: Reverie”, the lushness of late summer means bright pops of color, surreal fertile gardens, sensual heroines, and luxurious depictions of nature. Opening July 30th, the Seattle gallery is bringing back their “Lush Life” exhibition series with a newfound sense of fantasy. The exhibit features artists that have always explored natural themes to varying degree; Adrian Cox, Amanda Manitach, Ashley Eliza Williams, Casey Curran, Casey Weldon (HF Vol. 32), Christian Rex Van Minnen (HF Vol. 25), Eric Wert (HF Vol, 32), Erin Kendig, Esao Andrews (HF Vol. 8), Helen Bayly, Jeff Soto (HF Vol. 18), Jonathan Viner (HF Vol. 34), Kazuki Takamatsu (HF Vol. 33 cover artist), Lauren Marx, Laurie Lee Brom, Lowell Poisson, Marco Mazzoni (HF Vol. 20 cover artit), Peter Ferguson, Ryan Heshka, Sam Wolfe Connelly (HF Vol. 32), Scott Hove (HF Collected 3), and Tyna Ontko. Viewers should not expect the traditional depiction of warmth and oppulent summer imagery. The works featured can also be nightmarish and complex. Adrian Cox conveys grotesque sun-lit gardens ready for harvest, a concept complimented by Ashley Eliza Williams’ photorealistic formations covered in colorful moss-like growths. Lauren Marx also expands on the idea of growth and cultivation in her macabre image of a peach tree sprouting from a crane’s neck. As late summer brings the ripening of crops, so begins the process of decay at the dawn of the fall season. Take a look at more images from “Lush Life: Reverie” in our preview below.
“Lush Life: Reverie” Summer group show exhibits at Roq La Rue gallery in Seattle from July 30th through August 29th.
Sam Wolfe Connelly, “Hush of the Hills”, 2014 oil on linen
Peter Ferguson, “Emissary”, oil on panel
Kazuki Takamatsu, “There are so many things which I can’t figure out. However, I truly love this world.”, acrylic, acrylic gouache, medium, gesso and giclee on tarpaulin
Jonathan Viner, “Meet Me In Helsinki”, oil on panel
Esao Andrews, “The Neighbor”, oil on panel
Amanda Manitach, “Fuck Me Like it’s Summercamp”, graphite on paper
Adrian Cox, “Borderlands (Observatory)”, oil on canvas