James Rielly

Red Nose

2015

Pintura

Pintura

Pintura

Pintura

Acrylic paint on canvas Signed by the artist

STARSKY BRINE’s paintings and drawings captivate audiences with their distinctive style and a recurring theme, the search for the nature of humanity. In his bold works, the artist focuses on characters that are built from a combination of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic features, as well as the appropriation of elements from comics and toys from his childhood. On the one hand, these characters distort reality to venture into an environment of subcultures and urbanism created by the spontaneous intuition of his strokes and the appropriation of the contemporary iconography. On the other hand, they move within the realm of fantasy. In particular, the animals paired with their human characters evoke associations with fairy tales or comics. They are reminiscent of the world of theatre, in which fantasy and poetry but also comedy often serve as catalysts for the creation of critical meaning. With his works, Brines often questions the interplay of good and evil against the background of the worldwide socio-political climate. Yet Brines does not interpret his themes as ‘black and white.’ They are complex and nonlinear, with charming disruptions, quite serious and yet full of humor. Brines is personally influenced by his mother and art historically influenced by Latin American figurative art, the German Neoexpressionism, the Italian Transavantgarde, and the COBRA group. His works oscillate between figuration and abstraction. Brines holds a degree in Fine Art from the Instituto Universitario de Estudios Superiores de Artes Plásticas Armando Reverón...

Figure III, 2017

Early Life and Education: Ghazi Baker, a proponent of Neo-expressionism, was born in 1967 in the vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon. Raised amidst the rich cultural tapestry of Lebanon, Baker's early years were influenced by the eclectic blend of history, art, and tumultuous social dynamics of the region. In 1991, Baker graduated with distinction from the esteemed American University in Beirut, earning a degree in architecture (B. Arch). This academic pursuit not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a profound appreciation for spatial dynamics, form, and structure—a foundation that would later shape his distinctive artistic style. Artistic Journey: Despite his architectural training, Baker felt an irresistible pull towards the realm of visual arts. Fueled by an innate passion for creativity and expression, he embarked on a transformative journey into the world of painting. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, Baker immersed himself in the vibrant palette of pop art and Neo-expressionism— movements characterized by i bold colors, emotive brushwork, and introspective themes.   Neo-expressionist Evolution: Baker's artistic evolution unfolded against the backdrop of a rapidly changing world. His works reflect a profound engagement with the human condition, exploring themes of identity, displacement, and the universal quest for meaning. Through his dynamic compositions and visceral imagery, Baker invites viewers to delve beneath the surface.   International Recognition: Over the years, Baker's distinctive style has garnered widespread acclaim, earning him recognition on the international stage. His works have been exhibited in galleries and museums around the world, captivating audiences with their raw energy and emotional resonance. From New York to Paris...