Andy Rementer: In Plain Sight

EVENT DESCRIPTION

This November, Quiet Gallery HK, in collaboration with WAY by Way of Difference, is thrilled to present the most comprehensive Andy Rementer exhibition ever held in Hong Kong. The event will feature a display of Andy Rementer’s top 14 contemporary figurative paintings (including several rare works in die-cut shape), and 3 limited edition sculptures.

Andy Rementer has earned a glowing reputation as a top-rated American contemporary artist. His simple and poetic art style redefines the traditional art genre of portraits, landscapes, and still life. The exhibition, titled “ In Plain Sight,” reveals his distinctive way of representing characters in a brightly colored world, yet statuesque and expressionless. Rementer creates a dreamlike space filled with an air of supreme calmness that leaves the viewer’s minds filled with mystery and intrigue.

Gaze is the hidden theme of this exhibition. After gazing at the artworks for a few minutes, you will realize all characters in the 14 paintings on display are looking straight at you. It is the beginning of an interesting “see and be seen” interaction between the painted characters and viewers.

Rementer says, “My figures often become sort of characters on a stage, in direct contact with the viewers, almost like a ballet performance where dancers are always facing the audience. Perhaps eye contact stimulates an intimacy that helps draw in the viewers, which is intriguing to me.”

Without a word, Rementer induces the audience to lose themselves in the plots or details of his paintings. They are often prompted to reveal the hidden secret behind those innocent and pensive faces.

Rementer uses a lot of horizontal lines and formal structures to create his art. Also, illustrations of birds and plants are recurring elements in his creative works. They inspire him both in real-life and as an artist. For aesthetics, Rementer introduces organic elements in his paintings, to diffuse the consistent order of his art’s elements.

As a highlight during the exhibition in Hong Kong, Rementer specially created 5 die-cut paintings. These artworks are new additions since his first art show in 2008. This latest series is more intimate and poetic, a complete reflection of his current visual landscape. It isolates potential moments frozen in time, possibly extracted from a larger scene.

Describing his finished artwork, Rementer writes, “I enjoy the restricted use of the medium, in this case, wood, which informs the shape and texture of the final piece. Also, viewers can appreciate the nature of the objects from a 3-dimensional perspective as well, which I find interesting.”

Also there will be 3 life-size figurative sculptures on display at the exhibition, reflecting Rementer’s modes of expression. The sculptures are co-produced by WAY by Way of Difference and How2Work. They are arranged dynamically, so that the audience can walk around them seeing Rementer’s artistic characters from different viewing angles.

The exhibition is accompanied by several affordable artworks and lifestyle products for sale, including pin, vinyl figure, archival print, colour screen print on wood panel, and tote bag.

ABOUT THE ARTIST / ORGANISER

Andy Rementer grew up in a Victorian beach town which later informed his interest in nostalgia and color. He graduated from the University of the Arts in 2004. After working and living in northern Italy, he relocated to the East Coast where he divides his time between drawing and painting.

Rementer’s paintings feature pensive characters and still lives depicted in carefully staged interiors and landscapes. He uses bold colors and a flattened perspective to invite the viewer into his poetic visual world. His inspirations range from the Italian Renaissance, Léger, and Nathalie du Pasquier.

He has had exhibitions with galleries in Milan, Tokyo, Seoul, New York, Dubai, and Hong Kong. Most recently a selection of Rementer’s original works were acquired for the permanent collection of the DEJI museum in Nanjing, China.

Several famous brands recognize Rementer who has worked with The New York Times, New York Magazine, Apple, Kiehl’s, PULL&BEAR, MTV, and many more top brands.