don kilpatrick, III at m contemporary
Beneath the Frozen Suns
“In his new solo exhibition, Don Kilpatrick, III explores themes of dormancy and renewal, where stillness becomes a space for quiet transformation. Inspired by the torn title page of The Land of the Frozen Suns, this body of work reflects a personal journey through trauma, healing, and self-discovery. Water, regeneration, and kintsugi serve as metaphors for resilience, while fragments of old book titles weave into the narrative, bridging past and present. Beneath the Frozen Suns embodies the paradox of frozen light—hidden potential waiting to thaw, emerge, and illuminate once more.”
Stars and diamonds gently washed in faceted white are strewn on a background quietly transitioning from buttery yellow to light turquois. Blues and oranges react generating excitement as the horse makes a daring leap through its ring of fire.
One of the larger works, Sad Heaven demonstrates red’s power to attract and dominate. Images are graphically illustrated while the matte finish softens defined edges. The sagging upper lid combined with the omission of the eye’s reflective ‘dots’ often used in traditional portraiture enhances the melancholy.
Devoid of any coloration, this piece relies on its 3D configuration to illustrate the motion of shattering glass. Attention to value further contributes to depth. Always note the cast shadows as part of the impression.
Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with a lacquer mixed with precious metals like gold and silver creating the metaphor that beauty resides in resilience despite our imperfections. In this case the repair itself appears to be flawed. Bright orange reveals against the muddy backdrop set off the linear azure blue.
Anyone who has the courage to face their personal demons in an attempt to heal then proceed onto a productive and meaningful life deserves more than a little sparkle. Kilpatrick clearly communicates sadness and adversity while offering hope in a muted glow of promising colors.
On view through April 26th at M Contemporary 205 E Nine Mile, Ferndale
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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