Spectra John Wentz Solo Exhibition And Deconstruct Group Exhibit Curated By John Wentz

Posted by: Modern Eden

Opening Reception: Saturday April 13, 2013, 6-10 pm
Exhibition Dates: April 13 - May 4, 2013
Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 6pm

Modern Eden Gallery is pleased to announce “Spectra”, an exciting solo exhibition of new oil paintings by John Wentz. In his third solo exhibition, Wentz continues to explore his interest in the human condition, focusing on the role that war and self-destruction play in our experience as human beings.

Stark landscapes and dilapidated carnival structures serve as backdrops to Wentz’ hauntingly beautiful paintings. Among these landscapes, figures wander and gaze in gas masks, interacting with this changing world around them. The gas mask appears throughout the imagery in this new series, symbolizing the fear of the unseen and unknown. Like many potent symbols in the work, it represents the will to survive amid the dehumanizing effects of war. The moody dystopian atmospheres are punctuated by subtle color shifts and a variety of paint applications varying from meticulous rendering, to loose, abstract expressionist strokes, describing figures and places like a visual shorthand.

John Wentz was born and raised in the San Francisco the Bay Area. His interest in art began at the age of 6 when he first discovered Batman and Spiderman comic books. After years of copying comics panel by panel he worked in the commercial arts as a muralist, billboard creator and freelance illustrator. After learning to paint by doing airbrushed billboards, John decided to pursue Fine Art and work in oils. Since then, he has had 3 solo exhibitions in San Francisco and numerous group exhibitions both nationally and internationally. His works have appeared in many publications and have won multiple awards. John now paints full time in his studio in Vallejo, CA.

In addition to “Spectra”, John Wentz has curated a group exhibition that will be featured in the back gallery area entitled “Deconstruct”. This show will feature 13 Bay Area painters hand-selected by Wentz, working in expressive styles. Including works from Jaclyn Alderete, Matthew Robertson, Lisa Alonzo, Janet Ji Song, Mike Borja, Nicole Hayden, Jennifer Damas, Micah LeBrun, Steve Javiel, Daniel J. Valadez, Albert Ramos, Megan Wolfe, and Akira Beard.

The opening reception for "Spectra” and “Deconstruct” will be held at Modern Eden Gallery on Saturday, April 13th from 6-10pm. The exhibition will be on display through May 4, 2013 and is free and open to the public. Complimentary beverages will be served by Three Wishes and Rolling Rock. Featured artist, John Wentz and Deconstruct featured artists will be in attendance.

For more details, visit: http://www.moderneden.com/pages/Spectra
General Information: Please email Info@ModernEden.com