Brian Calvin: Exploring Nothingness
First off, happy Valentine’s Day! In a very, UN-Valentine’s Day fashion, here are some…shall we say un-cheery paintings by Brian Calvin. What better way to celebrate cupid than look at paintings that embody a certain tension…
Calvin paints figurative paintings of androgenous, bohemian-esque young people– who seemingly hang around in an odd state of ennui. He’s been compared to David Hockey, and that’s not half bad. Either way, I can’ help but come back to his study of nothingness. It’s disconcerting to look at the kids’ elongated figures, mellow eyes and inexpressive mouths. But yet, I can’t look away. Something odd is going on. These paintings don’t have a set beginning or an end– but they take a long time to explain their nothingness. And that is a sweet story indeed.

Beyond, 2005

Pinch, 2009

Thing (I), 2007

Still Live With Flower, 2006

Rose Gold, 2007

Sunny, 2007

The Low Road (God Out West), 2006

Portrait With Bun, 2006
Check out more works.
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