Tension Blooms

In Tension Blooms the viewer will be encouraged to look into the relationship of humans and nature. Oil paintings, graphite on paper and a lifesize figure composed of hundreds of natural objects make up this diverse and mature exhibition. The color of the oil paintings pull you into our expansive viewing space, and the intricate details throughout the show will mesmerize your moments at Ian Ross Gallery.
These artists use immense control over their medium to share an intense and tangible tension felt in flowers and flesh. The connection of the subjects to their delicate encapsulations raises questions of artist intent, fantasy, and turmoil amidst almost over-abundant beauty. The fine line between beautiful and disturbing is walked again and again. “My work explores the role of the figure as an icon in an analysis of beauty as a tool of manipulation…. images influence social perception to address the role of mortality, vanity, beauty, and sexuality in visual media of contemporary culture.” says Reichert.
The control exhibited by these two painters holds our gaze in a moment of contemplation, confusion, and introspection. Dense floral patterns are leading us into an interior void that feels a bit uneasy and exciting. Undertones of sexuality, danger and entrapment dance alongside and tease us into a colorful abyss. “The cycle of interaction between the natural world and human kind is a tension explored, reconciled and opened up again…. the flower and organic growth is used to illustrate the amazing creative potential of the human mind.” says Bostwick.

About the artists

Rachelle Reichert is a San Francisco based artist from New York. She attained her B.F.A. from Boston University and graduate studies at the New York Academy of Figurative Art in New York City. Her work has been nationally and internationally exhibited including exhibitions at the German Consulate in New York City, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Galleria il Sotoportego in Venice, Italy.
Brenton Bostwick is a San Francisco based artist. He attained his BA from New York University where he studied painting, sculpture and philosophy. He also studied at the San Francisco Art Institute after graduating New York University. Brenton’s artwork has been featured in the Warholian as well as the Marin Independent Journal. His work is held in many private collections throughout the United States.