A body melts and a blanket rises into colorful foothills in this painting celebrating the pleasures of the senses and the outdoors by Benjamin Degen at Susan Inglett Gallery. In other works, bathers visit the beach at night to watch the moon while nature creates fabulous patterns in the movement of stars, rain and ocean water. (On view by appointment in Chelsea through through July 24th).
Naked feet running along the shore at night in this painting by Benjamin Degen at Susan Inglett Gallery could belong to cavorting friends or fleeing migrants. The lack of distinction is the point; Degen created his latest paintings “…in celebration of human movement” and in favor of choosing liberation over self-destruction. (On view in Chelsea through March 10th).
Benjamin Degen, Fast Swimmer, oil on linen over panel, 72 x 48 inches, 2015.
Though created from paint, this folksy character’s shirt and pants have the texture of rough-hewn fabric, perfectly in keeping with his Johnny-Appleseed-like barefooted nature wanderer persona. By New York painter Benjamin Degen and titled ‘Kleos,’ it suggests that like the ancient Greeks, this home-grown oddball is also seeking a glory of sorts. (At Chelsea’s Susan Inglett Gallery through Dec 7th).
Benjamin Degen, Kleos, oil on canvas over panel, 2013.
