Continuing through June 18, 2011
Kris Lewis' compelling series of surreal portrait paintings pays a degree of homage to old masters such as Hans Holbein and recalls the moods of Andrew Wyeth, particularly the Olson series and the famously intimate Helga paintings. Although Lewis does use live models as part of his studio work, much of the predominantly female subject matter can be a composite of photo clippings and images from porn websites. The result is an idealized character created from the artist's imagination that conveys a variety of psychological complexities. The physical distortions and fragility present in his feminine forms serve to accentuate seductive gazes that are coupled with a sense of isolation, fear, beauty and sadness. Subtle and intriguing, there is a latent power within each piece that locks the viewer into the perspective of each character, allowing for a series of interpretations of the hidden stories contained within.
David B. Smith Gallery
