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Jon MacNair Presents New Ink Illustrations in “Noctem”

Portland based artist Jon MacNair (covered here) didn't actually enjoy sketching at first, but he kept at it and his daily drawings are what influenced his style today. Working mostly in ink, his monochromatic drawings of demons and other creatures derived from animals are decidedly mystical. Some of the themes running through his art's veins include magic and rituals, man and beast, anxiety, journeys, isolation, night, and communication. Last night at Antler Gallery in Portland, he debuted a new series of drawings and shadowbox pieces, as well as an expansive floor to ceiling mural installation.

Portland based artist Jon MacNair (covered here) didn’t actually enjoy sketching at first, but he kept at it and his daily drawings are what influenced his style today. Working mostly in ink, his monochromatic drawings of demons and other creatures derived from animals are decidedly mystical. Some of the themes running through his art’s veins include magic and rituals, man and beast, anxiety, journeys, isolation, night, and communication. Last night at Antler Gallery in Portland, he debuted a new series of drawings and shadowbox pieces, as well as an expansive floor to ceiling mural installation. Titled “Noctem” (after the Latin phrase “Carpe Noctem” or seize the night) his series takes the viewer into a whimsical and decidedly dark otherworld. The inclusion of shadow boxes particularly adds a dramatic dimension to MacNair’s otherwise flat aesthetic. Many pieces feature a combination of the fantastic with gruesome, as devilish characters perform various rituals like beheadings. Although frightening, they appear unfazed as they go about their absurd ways of daily life.

Jon MacNair’s “Noctem” is now on view at Antler Gallery in Portland, alongside Annie Owens and Craww, through November 23rd.

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Those who have seen Jon MacNair's work might be surprised to learn that he is greatly inspired by popular children's literature, fairytales, and Renaissance art. The Portland based artist is well known for his fantastical, quirky ink drawings, often labeled as "dark", and we don't mean his monochromatic palette. "Some of my most distinct memories as a kid were of looking at picture books and being entranced by the images," he says. "Even though most of these books were for kids, there were some pretty dark undertones in the illustrations that stuck with me." These eventually led to his current body of work which turns classically ominous imagery on its head.
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Jon MacNair

The work of artists Dan Barry and Jon MacNair come together for "Captive Illusions" at Stranger Factory this month. “Together,” the gallery says, “the duo create a show that sends the viewer into surreal and playful worlds with characters that come to life in warm color schemes.” Barry was last featured on HiFructose.com here, and MacNair was most recently mentioned here.

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