VOLITION ERA: ART SHOW BY JORDAN JOSAFAT AND SENZ WEN

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Diego, California, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 21, 2011 --

Juxtaposition can be powerful. This is especially true in art. This is also the case in the art of Jordan Josafat and Senz Wen, featured artists in Thumbprint Gallery’s upcoming exhibition on February 12. These two San Diego-based artists utilize juxtaposition in style, subject matter, and philosophy. Josafat’s surrealist paintings uses what the artist calls a “system of opposites, visually and mentally.” Senz Wen combines finely executed technique and composition with shocking subject matter. Both artists will be showing work at the upcoming show titled “Volition Era.”

Josafat uses the idea of connectedness in his surrealist paintings. This gives the viewer a more complete perspective of Josafat’s subject matter, leading to complex interpretations. “I’ve always been into continuity and cohesiveness,” the artist said. “So each of my paintings in each of my series has something that bonds each other together,” according to Josafat. Juxtaposition can be seen in Josafat’s style of line work. The artist uses lines rich in detail along with washed-out lines. This contrast emphasizes key compositional elements.

Josafat credits his painting ability to Professor Michael Schnorr, whom Josafat studied under at community college in San Diego. Schnorr noticed Josafat’s skills escalated faster than other students, which lead the professor to invite Josafat to assist in an on-campus art show and eventually into a private mentorship. The artist also had the privilege of working with well-known artist Doze Green in San Francisco. Josafat has since founded a group of San Diego artists known as The Stack House Collective, which aims to foster unity in the San Diego art scene.

Also exhibiting will be Senz Wen, whose illustrations are both beautiful and grotesque. Many times his art is meant to get a rise out of people. With skilled line work and composition the artist’s characters are illustrated in a way that leaves a feeling of grotesqueness and shock. “When I was young, I used to get in trouble in school from drawing portraits of my classmates with urinating dicks as their noses,” the artist reminisced. The artist’s characters usually have elongated and exaggerated features creating disturbing representations of the human form, despite displaying beautifully composed artistry.

Senz Wen’s illustrations may also include surrealist elements within his cartoon-like idiom. Many times inanimate objects, such as a beer bottle, may morph into disturbing winged creatures. These creatures seem to come from his characters’ or his subconscious. However, there are also elements of humor in his characters that appear goofy, despite obscene bodily functions.

The opening reception for “Volition Era” will be held at Thumbprint Gallery on February 12. The event will start at 6pm and run until 10pm. Complimentary sangria and beer will be served. Thumbprint Gallery is located 2637 University Ave. in North Park. There is no cover. The exhibition will continue through March 6 at Thumbprint Gallery.

art     art show     ARTIST     Jordan Josafat     North Park     Senz Wen     Stack House Collective     surrealist