Much more than simply layers of oil and pigment, the luminous paintings by artist Andrea Kemp are sure to evoke a lasting impression during her latest solo exhibition.
There always seems to be a captivating story to tell, whether clear or ambiguous, within Andrea Kemp’s paintings, especially those featured in her current solo exhibition at Saks Galleries in Denver, Colorado. “Luminous” includes 22 of Kemp’s latest figurative works, ranging from intimate portrayals of subjects deep in thought to full-length nudes to scenes of children in school or making their latest attempt to capture fireflies. The result is an outstanding exhibition that displays Kemp’s range of artistic talent and vision.
Andrea Kemp, “Umbrella,” oil on canvas, 12 x 12 in. (c) Saks Galleries 2015
The artist suggests, “For me painting is a way to communicate what words cannot. Through one frame a story is told, with lingering questions hanging and possible scenarios left for the viewer’s own interpretation. Like a good poem, painting has few opportunities to reach its audience in ways that can leave a strong lasting impression.”
Andrea Kemp, “Beacon,” oil on board, 16 x 16 in. (c) Saks Galleries 2015
“Excuse Me” is a magnetic picture featuring three children in a schoolroom. Two boys, one to the right, the other to the left, sit at their desks in profile. The subject to the left intently reads in a book while the other seems much less enthused and in desperate need of a nap. However, the gripping subject of the painting is the girl found between the boys, standing and gazing over her shoulder out at the viewer. Her ashamed and saddened expression leaves the audience guessing as to the events that led to this captured moment.
Andrea Kemp, “Summer Dip,” oil on board, 30 x 24 in. (c) Saks Galleries 2015
“Umbrella” fascinates as well, the seated subject shown in an emerald green summer dress. Hanging over her shoulder as she turns and looks out of the picture is a lovely pink and orange umbrella, which frames the subject and draws the viewer’s focus. There is a softness, a most expressive treatment in the painting’s brushwork, a feature Kemp intentionally manipulates in her work. She writes, “My paintings’ imagery can range from strong to soft depending on what kind of emotion I want to have as an underlying tone. Sometimes their stories are clear and other times they are more ambiguous. Their content does not always carry its story line; instead I try and utilize the language of the paint.”
“Luminous” opened at Saks Galleries on October 2 and will be on view through October 31.
To learn more, visit Saks Galleries.
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