Brian Calvin brings his hypnotic cubist portraits to Palazzo Cavanis for his first solo exhibition in Venice entitled “Still.”
Wide eyed and full of vibrance, the series of paintings present an array of women who may all be in a stoic daze, but contain a sense of eccentric focus as though one is mid breath. Calvin’s portraitures are more than what meets the eyes of a viewer. Depiction can be done in multiple ways through their fragmented dimensions of face despite the super flat nature of presentation. While initial impressions may take on a serious note, the play of colors through makeup, accessories and settings can leave one smiling and continually staring in wonder.
The Californian artist usually opts to stray from a narrative for viewers to create their own, but still injects his sunny roots in the mix with a touch of personal elements such as a cool can of Peroni. As the title of the exhibition suggests, the aura of stillness is to be embraced and whether you’d like to dig deeper into the mystery of each face is up to your desire.
“Still” is now on view from May 19 to July 2, 2023.
Elsewhere in art, The Met dedicates an entire exhibition to Van Gogh’s Cypress Trees.
Palazzo Cavanis
Dorsoduro 920
30123 Venice
