Denver, CO 80206
October 9 – October 31, 2015
Opening Reception: Friday, October 9, 6-9 p.m.
“While my work can at times be loose/abstract, it is always held together and judged by myself with a stern eye… This I believe keeps the work in a sort of limbo, somewhere between the abstract and the familiar. Creating (or so I hope) a feeling of personal familiarity and enjoyment in the painting that goes beyond merely what object or objects I’ve decided to paint.” - Matthew Saba
Abend Gallery is proud to present the first solo exhibition by Matthew Saba, an exploration of frailty, transience, and decay. The works of Saba simultaneously suggest the present, past, and future, hinting at the effects of time. Within the past year alone Saba has burst onto the art scene both locally and nationally, a testament to his artistic drive and the power of his work. Working within seemingly traditional subject matter frameworks, Saba has navigated his way towards a refreshing and singular perspective that makes those familiar forms and objects new again. Through his figurative and still life works the viewer is prompted to stop and take a moment, to peel back the layers of paint and uncover what is hidden in plain sight.
Of his still life works Saba says, “The mundane and commonplace are, in my opinion, treasures often under-appreciated and overlooked . . . .” He paints these objects to reflect their true nature and at the same time reveal their lesser-known qualities. The backgrounds of these works are complex as well; layers of different colors of paint that play with the objects on view, highlighting and concealing them at the same time. All of these elements work together, hinting at their innate beauty while foreshadowing their future decay.
The figurative works are just as, if not more, complex. The individuals Saba paints are broken down, certain features made more noticeable while others fade into the background. This idea of obscuration comes up again within these works in a more complicated and thought-provoking way. What is made to be hidden almost becomes more important than what is accentuated and vice versa, causing the viewer to wonder at both. The intentionality of the artist moves to the forefront.
In regards to his process and motivations, Saba says, “I draw upon my life and/or personal surroundings. I’ve no interest in painting models I don’t personally know or objects I don’t commonly use in my day-to-day life. Once I set my mind on a subject, however, all personal attachment and sentimentality is set aside and a cold, clinical frame of mind takes over. That mindset is what brings me back time and again.” He is able to approach each piece with a level of objectivity and steadiness, highlighting idiosyncrasies throughout.
All of these notions together prominently display Saba’s abilities as an artist. His keen perspective and the way in which he communicates through the objects and figures he paints shows the depth of his understanding and calls attention to the bright and successful future that lies ahead for Saba. By complicating the familiar, the viewer is made to reassess their previously conceived notions of what they see on the canvas. Time and how we and the things/people we surround ourselves with are affected by it, and its distinct ability to show us its ultimate power permeates through those complex layers and hits us right in the face.
Abend Gallery Fine Art was established in 1990 and offers an extensive collection of fine art from fresh, contemporary work to traditional, representational painting by national and internationally recognized professional artists.
