Denver, CO 80206
Through August 27th, 2016
Opening Reception: Thursday, July 28th, 6-9 pm
In what is to be her debut solo exhibition, this summer Che Leviathan brings her particular brand and aesthetic to the walls in a wholly original and refreshing manner. Smith has honed her artistic focus in on the genre of realistic figurative painting, and more specifically has centered her work on the punk rock scene, fusing all the elements that inspire her into her work. This exhibition of Smith’s work provides an intimate experience for the viewer, allowing them a glimpse into the artist’s life and the people and environments she surrounds herself with. The exhibition opens July 28th and runs through August 27th.
The work in this show centers on the individual or small groups. In portrait pieces like “Augustine” and “Merciful Fate” the figures look away pensively, and posed to highlight the details of their physical features, their clothing, tattoos, the things that make them distinct from one another. The same qualities are present in “Zangree”, his facial expression matched with his hand signal exude a stronger sense of the subject’s attitude.
“Goodbye Horses” and “Hex the System” show Smith’s subjects in more candid situations. In “Goodbye Horses” we see two figures outside, one enjoying a cigarette while the other’s eyes are focused away from the scene. Again we are made to take notice of the smaller details, the decorative assemblage of each of the figures outward aesthetic. From the buttons on their jackets to their piercings, tattoos, and the graphics on their t-shirts, everything is carefully highlighted by Leviathan. These details are also apparent in “Hex the System”, the two figures are captured naturally, enjoying a smoke against a graffiti covered wall. The details in their physical appearances stand out and make the scene whole.
As a viewer it is readily apparent that Leviathan is not only able to capture the attributes of the people she paints but she is also able to express something more. There is something emanating off her work, a strong sense of the person’s essence or personality or aura or some combination thereof. It is this feeling that draws you in and makes you feel as though you’ve been given the opportunity to see something more personal. Her iconic style resonates throughout, making it easily recognizable while simultaneously presenting works that are wholly original.
