israel aten at what pipeline
What Pipeline presents a solo exhibition by Israel Aten. Aten is known for figurative and abstract paintings of juggernauts, masculine figures and calligraphic pictograms in acrylic, graphite, and spray paint. The paintings both represent and perform a metamorphosis that harkens back to the alchemical origins of the medium, staging an encounter between the profane and the secular. We see in a robotic mutant the remnants of an archaic religious icon; the figures of our popular imagination searching for their archetypal ancestors. They propose that within the chemically-induced experience of club-goers exists trace elements of an ancient ecstatic trance.
Installed at the back of the primary exhibition area, this piece commands attention through expressive, bold black lines and the power of red. Aten’s figure is detectable, certainly contains ‘technoid-humanoid’ characteristics, yet leaves its full interpretation to the viewer. This piece was previously stretched as the folds and creases of its former state remain.
This subject is far more ambiguous, the original drawing having been washed over with a transparent radiative yellow. The use of gestural, expressive line over a mysterious underpainting grants the piece depth and energy.
This piece is fantastic in its purity of line. Loose but confident marks, anchored with a distinct head and heart, translate the figure. Despite apparent simplicity, this piece holds its own with its exhibition companions.
Perhaps the flagship image, this rendering is the most articulate. The figure’s adornments reference religious accoutrement, such as a priest’s collar or a cross worn around the neck. This is one of the more masculine and aggressive images in the show.
These works are a reduction in scale for Aten as he’s moved toward pinning canvas to the wall or suspending works from the ceiling in a scroll format. All of these pieces have been previously stretched or not stretched at all. The irregular presentation allows a softness, including a perceptible movement of the canvas from the circulation of air in the gallery, offsetting the heaviness and masculinity of the figures. There’s been a noticeable absence of abstraction lately. This exhibition keeps that genre alive while continuing to explore means of execution, interpretation and display.
On view through Dec 4th at What Pipeline 3525 Vernor Hwy Detroit
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery or artist statements
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