An
Enemy of Progress
Andrew
Webster, Reporting
Editor, Fine Art Today,
November 2015
As
the world progresses relentlessly into the future, constantly striving
for the bigger and better, Conor Walton uses paint to remind us all
of the fragility of our world.
On display through December 7 at the outstanding CK Contemporary is
a fascinating solo exhibition of paintings by Conor Walton, a man
whose artistic mission is to cultivate a broader perspective among
his viewership. A self-described “enemy of progress” —
alluded to in the title of the show — Walton views culture as
simply a “façade,” a modern ruse that distracts
the masses from the larger, more natural forces that may ultimately
shape our destiny.
Relying on nature for his representational works, Walton’s concept
eagerly comes to the fore in the aptly titled “The Enemies of
Progress,” which displays a diverse arrangement of extinct species,
old gods, and more. The gallery writes, “The assembled figures
stand for all those whose beliefs, values, and ways of life are threatened
with obsolescence; those whose very existence is undermined by the
‘March of Progress.’ They are preparing to attack a gleaming
but generic cluster of architectural forms, a blank, featureless utopia
that resembles a modern city skyline. ‘The Enemies of Progress’
is a principled, courageous, and darkly comical painting. As in all
of Walton’s work, the strain of humor is extremely pointed:
it is a serious humor infused with tragedy.”
Conor
Walton, “The Enemies of Progress,” oil on linen, 24 x
48 in. (c) CK Contemporary 2015
However relevant Walton’s concept may be, the
messages are communicated with extreme beauty. “Phaethon”
is a gorgeous painting displaying an adolescent boy waist-deep in
water. The subject holds his left arm out, displaying for the viewer
a fish attached to a line. Along the horizon, a large architectural
form rises from the haze, its peak brightly illuminated. The naturalism
and luminance are absolutely stunning.
Conor Walton, "Phaethon," oil on linen, 36
x 36 in (c) CK Contemporary 2015
Whether through the works’ profound beauty, weighty
message, or both, the exhibition is sure to delight viewers over the
next few weeks. “The Enemies of Progress” will be on view
at CK Contemporary in San Francisco, California, through December
7.
Original
article can be found at http://www.fineartconnoisseur.com/pages/22193991.php
