joshua rainer at louis buhl & co.
Amo Ergo Sum
“A figurative and still life painter and draftsman, Rainer works mainly in oil paint and charcoal to investigate introspective themes that counterbalance the criticism of the world. Employing themes of self-awareness and self-reflection, Rainer’s latest body of work meditates on the Bible passage, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Through this explicit reference, Rainer engages with foundational moral principles of community, compassion, and human responsibility, reflecting on how these ideals have been both upheld and neglected throughout history and in contemporary culture.”
Rainer combines his signature impeccable drawing abilities with shaped canvas provoking an altered viewing experience. The brilliant blue reads softer than expected affording the greyscale images to project forward.
Aporia’s butterfly form pulls a Lamentation to a point of distraction from the symmetrical, contemplative hands. Lapis lazuli, or ultramarine blue, is one of the oldest pigments, once more expensive than gold as it’s extraordinarily difficult to extract. Painters thus reserved its use to indicate royalty or divinity.
Rainer not only delivers stunning hyperrealism, his hands emote and express through motion and posture, wrinkles and ragged cuticles, as the pinkie blurs in its distance.
A subtle diamond demarcates understated changes in skin age and tone, freckles and scars. Because of Rainer’s astonishing talent, I’m reticent to mention the noticeable seam due to its inside edges remaining white starkly contrasting with the strong color of the piece. Objects, although a mere micrometer, fail to match up. A stretcher on this scale would be formidable as a singular structure, but due to fastidious execution in every other aspect, it was a surprise this element didn’t appear to receive similar attention yet illustrates the beauty in human imperfection as presented in these depictions.
A limited palette forces the painter to rely on expert manipulation of the material into an effective narrative. Amo Ergo Sum translates from Latin to ‘I love therefore I am’ as Rainer successfully explores compassion and the power of touch in this striking series.
On view through March 8th at Louis Buhl & Co 1260 Library Street Alley Detroit
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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