Dorothy Circus Gallery London is delighted to present Lives of Leisure, a solo exhibition by celebrated American artist Jonathan Viner. Known for his evocative oil paintings that meld nostalgic interiors with subtle narrative tension, Viner has become a defining voice in contemporary figurative art. His works have been featured in prominent collections and publications, earning acclaim for their cinematic, introspective qualities that draw viewers into a world tinged with quiet mystery.
Opening on November 21, Lives of Leisure introduces a new series of Viner’s paintings that explore the complexities of contemporary life through intimate, meticulously composed domestic spaces. His approach subtly echoes the precision and warmth of Danish interior masters, creating spaces where his figures appear engrossed in their own worlds, engaged in seemingly monotonous tasks. This delicate portrayal of quiet scenes invites viewers into familiar yet enigmatic settings, balanced between a seductive calm and a sense of impending change.
While Viner draws inspiration from a broad range of cultural influences, his works maintain an intriguing dialogue between the austere artistry of the Interior School and contemporary American pop culture. In a manner reminiscent of Danish painters such as Hammershøi and Holsøe, Viner carefully crafts each canvas to provide a glimpse of a scene while hinting at what lies beyond it. This technique teases the viewer with subtle suggestions of unseen moments or shifts that may follow, imbuing each piece with a timeless sense of narrative depth.
Viner’s approach to composition is modernised through a cinematic narrative flair, where the figures’ gazes are not averted by physical posture but by preoccupation, subtly commenting on the evolving nature of solitude in our interconnected world. He often employs a restrained palette; however, in this recent collection, he introduces bursts of bright or fluorescent colors that enhance the synaesthetic effects of his work. These vivid contrasts against a cool color scheme immerse viewers further, allowing them to feel the warmth and hear the hum of the world surrounding each figure.
In Lives of Leisure, Viner’s vibrant yet quietly humming interiors reflect the evolution of our modern lives—rich with color, connectivity, and complexity, yet still marked by a yearning for introspective quiet. Through his masterful layering of color and light, Viner transforms everyday settings into serene realms of reflection, evoking the beauty and transience of leisurely moments. These contrasts amplify a sense of mystery, inviting viewers to imagine untold stories within each frame.
Dorothy Circus Gallery warmly invites you to experience the unveiling of Lives of Leisure on Thursday, November 21, with a cocktail reception exclusively for Collectors, Journalists, and Guests of the Gallery. The exhibition will be open to the public from Friday, November 22, until January 4, 2025. To ensure a seamless visit without waiting, it is advisable to schedule an appointment.
