Martin Wittfooth, “Gathering,” oil on canvas, 64 x 32 in. (c) Abend Gallery 2016
Andrew Webster Reporting
Abend Gallery in Denver, Colorado, is the proud host of a large group exhibition that seeks to explore the cutting-edge genre of imaginative realism. Highlighting many of the genre’s best artists, “Inner Visions” was curated by Patrick and Jeannie Wilshire, Directors of IX Arts, and features works by more than 70 artists.
David Cheifetz, “Angel of Creation,” oil on canvas, 40 x 30 in. (c) Abend Gallery 2016
The gallery describes the wide potential of the genre, suggesting that it “combines classical painting technique with postmodern narrative subjects, focusing on the unreal, the unseen, and the impossible, offering visions of humanity’s mythic past, its unexplored future and, in some cases, the terrifying present.”
Luke Hillestad, “Full Hearts,” oil on canvas, 29 x 32 in. (c) Abend Gallery 2016
As exciting and stimulating as the theme is, perhaps the greatest feature of the exhibition is the artists included, who range from the burgeoning to the experienced and beyond. Among them are Luke Hillestad, Boris Vallejo, Michael C. Hayes, Scott Burdick, Rick Berry, Annie Stegg, Jody Fallon, and many more.
Via the gallery, “‘Imaginative realism satisfies a dual urge in the viewer,’ says co-curator Patrick Wilshire. ‘It meets the viewer’s desire for aesthetic quality and appreciation of technical skill, but also provides the opportunity to experience narrative, character and concept within that technically-skilled framework.’”
“Inner Visions” opens on October 8 and will be on view through November 11. To learn more, visit Abend Gallery.
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