#james himber

[saatchiart]

Each week, we showcase an emerging artist from around the world who is already garnering attention for their work. Taking inspiration from the Saatchi Gallery's 25-year history of discovering new talent, 'One to Watch' presents some of the most exciting artists on Saatchi Online helping collectors to identify strong emerging talent. Check out our One to Watch: James Himber

[adjacenttolife]

Painter's selected quote for "Existential Shipwrecks," from The Painter of Modern Life.

[adjacenttolife]

Boy Leading Horsey by James Himber

Oil on canvas, 40 x 30

[adjacenttolife]

EXISTENTIAL SHIPWRECKS

 Paintings by James Himber

Avenue D painter James Himber constructs uneasy revelations of psychological dilemma and insight. They forecast symbolic, sometimes surrealistic narratives.

Existential Shipwrecks portrays castoffs and waifs - misfits immersed in a “freaky sadness” struggling to locate their place in the world and on the canvas.

As a painterly discipline and out of respect for the practice, Himber engages classical ideals of craft. Yet, in the process of endowing a living presence to his characters, their psychological urgency determines their bodily form. As James says, in this way they avert “that embalmed feeling of perfect anatomy.”

The salve to these characters’ alienation arrives on the canvas, where their private traumas and humanity are given form. Here, they are welcomed into the community of the observable universe.

Himber’s show resides at the current Adjacent to Life pop-up gallery in Ninth Street Espresso (341 East 10th Street at Ave B - "10-B" for regulars). Drop by for some intense espresso with art to match. It's on view through February 9. 

Curated by Mark Roth

image above: The Blue Chair, oil on canvas, 40" x 30"