Chasing Ghosts
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Opening Reception October 14th, 2023 4pm-6pm Show runs from - October 14th, 2023 - January 6th, 2024 |
(Click above image for press kit)
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Artist - Tyler Mitchell
Statement
This body of work explores the thought process. In particular, the process of dream and the states in between where the leash
comes off and thoughts and imagination run wild and free. Most of the ideas are initially formed in this space between lucid consciousness and the onset of sleep, where the subconscious comes to the fore. In this sacred space of dream, the most random and nonsensical images, situations and thoughts can seem to make perfect sense. Then, upon waking, appear absolutely bizarre. This space and time is what I aim to preserve through these works. I use what I like to call “Auto-thought” to build upon these random chains of ideas and imagery. Before I lay down to sleep I start out with a list of “Things I Like” such as (skeleton, polka dots, pink) then sprinkle in any completely random imagery that flashes in my mind. From there I will construct the blueprints for the painting. With my work, composition is paramount. Juxtaposing realism with geometric abstraction and decidedly dark imagery and thoughts with playful, colorful ones. I enjoy that myself or the viewer can be repulsed or offended by the image but at the same time intrigued and can’t look away. In a sense, that the dark can be perceived as light, playful or inviting while the light can be interpreted as dark with something sinister lurking behind its innocence. Because both coexist in a symbiosis and each one can, in fact, be beautiful. In these works I have been incorporating various techniques and mediums to hopefully enhance and achieve these goals.
I hope you enjoy the work!
comes off and thoughts and imagination run wild and free. Most of the ideas are initially formed in this space between lucid consciousness and the onset of sleep, where the subconscious comes to the fore. In this sacred space of dream, the most random and nonsensical images, situations and thoughts can seem to make perfect sense. Then, upon waking, appear absolutely bizarre. This space and time is what I aim to preserve through these works. I use what I like to call “Auto-thought” to build upon these random chains of ideas and imagery. Before I lay down to sleep I start out with a list of “Things I Like” such as (skeleton, polka dots, pink) then sprinkle in any completely random imagery that flashes in my mind. From there I will construct the blueprints for the painting. With my work, composition is paramount. Juxtaposing realism with geometric abstraction and decidedly dark imagery and thoughts with playful, colorful ones. I enjoy that myself or the viewer can be repulsed or offended by the image but at the same time intrigued and can’t look away. In a sense, that the dark can be perceived as light, playful or inviting while the light can be interpreted as dark with something sinister lurking behind its innocence. Because both coexist in a symbiosis and each one can, in fact, be beautiful. In these works I have been incorporating various techniques and mediums to hopefully enhance and achieve these goals.
I hope you enjoy the work!
Biography
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Tyler Mitchell was born in Baltimore, Md. in 1979. Aware of his passion for arts at an early age, he started painting in oils in middle school and has aspired to be a painter ever since. He won the Maryland Distinguished Scholars Scholarship for the Fine Arts upon graduating high school in 1997, one of only two awarded in the state each year for the fine arts. He went on to attend Savannah College of Art and Design and graduated in 2002 with a B.F.A in Painting. In those years he realized his love for a variety of different disciplines including photography, 3D sculptural work as well as street art and
installation. Upon graduating S.C.A.D he moved to San Diego for 6 years, where he pursued surfing… mainly surfing. Working as a commercial Journeyman finish carpenter for for 15 years proved instrumental in his development as an artist. Upon returning to the east coast he has dedicated all of his efforts to his artistic endeavors. His focus shifted to his photography for a number of years in which he became completely immersed. A unique brand of surreal, studio photography in which he could utilize various disciplines and techniques to bring his ideas to life at a much more rapid pace. These photos were born as ideas or mock ups for paintings. Not being satisfied with the finished product being a raw photograph, he turned back to his painting with a newfound invigoration. His work has been featured in over 60 juried gallery exhibitions as well as being featured in a variety of different publications including Surfing Magazine, ArtBlend magazine and Up.St.Art magazine as a cover artist. He has been included in the Surreal Salon exhibition at Baton Rogue Gallery Center for Contemporary Art the past 7 years and has been most recently exhibiting with Arch Enemy Arts in Philadelphia. Tyler has maintained a studio in the Graffiti Warehouse in Baltimore the last 5 years where he continues to work, explore and have fun. |