In David Santiago’s stirring portraits, freckles become gilded stars, part of a constellation intended to remind the viewer that “nothing is by accent.” The artist has an upcoming show at Stranger Factory, titled “24k,” that collects the newest work in this vein. Each painting is crafted on a wood panel, with the grain showing through the subject’s flesh.
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“24k features a body of work that looks back at the viewer,” the gallery says. “Returning to us with his signature style, David Santiago creates an intimate exploration of one’s own value and inner beauty. The subjects in his show are adorned with 24k gold leaf freckles, toying with the idea of how we view our ‘blemishes.’”
“David Santiago: 24k” runs from Feb. 1 through Feb. 24 at the space.
Austrian painter Peter Gric offers surreal visions of the future, with writhing biomechanical creatures and notes from ancient religious art coursing throughout his paintings. Gric’s work also includes sculpture, bringing his metallic forms to life. Though often constructed in acrylics, gold leaf, and other traditional paints, Gric’s work begins as digital sketches:
Cherub-like children with school girl bobs enter infernal abysses and haunted-looking forests in 
