An unforgettable journey into the realm of portraiture is about to begin with the dual solo exhibition of Ben Ashton and Matthew Grabelsky, opening at DCG Rome on Friday, April 19th, with both artists in attendance.
We are thrilled to announce our upcoming exhibition that aims to redefine the boundaries of portraiture with a dual solo show, featuring the exceptional talents of English painter Ben Ashton and New Yorker Matthew Grabelsky.
Alternative realities converge in a non-place where the essence of portraiture blends with the surreal. Titled "Where the Wild Things Are" and "Weaponised Nostalgia" the new bodies of work by Grabelsky and Ashton each develop into a series of eight paintings that challenge conventional notions of figure art. Through their imaginative vibrancy and unique visual narratives, both artists invite us into their distinct and enchanted worlds.
With his new show "Where the Wild Things Are" Grabelsky takes us on a journey through the NYC subway, a world beneath the world, where his subjects—almost mythologically referenced creatures with human bodies and animal heads—are the embodiment of our inner self, our hidden subconscious brought to life on canvases expertly painted by Grabelsky with a refined technique and classical inspiration.
Rooted in hyperrealistic precision, Grabelsky's painting explores a surrealism that balances between perception and anthropological observation, offering an original viewpoint that invites viewers into a compelling narrative blurring the boundaries between the visible and the invisible, the outer appearance and the inner essence.
Ben Ashton, dubbed the "master of subversion," presents "Weaponised Nostalgia" a rich stylistic exploration embodying the evolution of this painter, whose research is grounded between the study of classical techniques and the visionary approach typical of contemporary art today, placing a special and recognizable emphasis on the cyclical nature of history. Characterized by intersections and collisions between nostalgia and unconventional abstract urges, in a constant subversion of reality under an almost psychedelic push, Ben Ashton's more than intriguing works unveil a deep research on classical art and Victorian costume, as much as a profound study of human nature and its sentiments. Recurring themes in these paintings are self-portraits, as well as the portrait of Fiona Garden, his wife and muse, and his son.
The public opening of these two unmissable exhibitions is scheduled for April 19th, welcoming collectors and art enthusiasts to experience an artistic exploration that explores the surreal and imaginative boundaries of portraiture.
The exhibitions will be open to the public and continue until May 11th. As per DCG policy, visits will be by appointment only.
Join us for an unforgettable journey into the realms of the surreal and the enchanted, where the mastery of Ben Ashton and Matthew Grabelsky redefines the essence of portraiture.
