Nathaniel Russell "Peace Jazz"
Known for integrating words with line drawings, Russell continues his exploration on themes of hope and human connection using play and poetry to communicate his message. Ten large paintings on panel, in addition to a suite of over 50 of the artist’s “fake fliers” mounted to panel, as well as an installation featuring smaller wooden sculptures, are all elements to be on view during the exhibition. In offering a selection of work in different sizes and prices, Russell underscores his passion for cultivating community through art.
Often using humor as an entry point, Russell provokes viewers to consider their place in the universe. His clever words and bold graphics illuminate sad truths of contemporary culture, as well as empowering values. These themes of hope, reflection and transcendence take on a particular significance against a contemporary backdrop of cultural disconnection and distraction. The artist expands on this sentiment in a new series of paintings that exude the same harmony without the use of text, rather through expressive forms. This collection of large-scale paintings on panel—featuring naturalistic forms, cut and rejoined much like a jigsaw puzzle—are suggestive of objects coming together through abstract compositions and formations. Large color blocks and lines sweeping off the frame elude to a raised hand, or a simple symmetrical shape topped with a white sphere implies a dandelion, are examples of this body of work.
Nathaniel Russell explains, "I want to create work that is sincere, hopeful and optimistic. I hope that when someone walks away, that they have learned something about another person—therefore about themselves."
Additionally, the artist presents an installation featuring his fake books series, smaller woodcut sculptures, as well as a 38-foot wall with over 50 fake fliers mounted to panel. While his intent is for the viewer to find meaning in community and the interconnectedness of all beings, the artist engages us in lightness with sculptures of books never published, flyers for events that don’t exist, and a few pieces that are small enough to fit in your hand. Peace Jazz is the culmination of the diverse modes of communication in Russell’s practice, each piece a tangible representation of the artist’s ethos. (Words and images via Gallery 16)
