In Our Nature
October 25 – December 6, 2008
Reception for the Artists: Saturday, November 1, 6 – 9 pm
Los Angeles, CA - Sam Lee Gallery is pleased to present In Our Nature, a solo exhibition by Los Angeles-based artist Darren Hostetter. This show marks the artist’s first solo exhibition at the gallery, and opens October 25 and closes December 6. The gallery will host a reception for the artist on Saturday, November 1, 6 – 9 pm.
In Our Nature negotiates the artist conflicted, ambivalent feelings—his love of the machine and dislike of the war. The exhibition consists of fifteen large-scale acrylic on aluminum paintings presenting modern day weapon systems such as jet planes, helicopters and missiles arranged in colorful and graphic patterns and set within contrasting presentations, from abstract and order to atmospheric and chaotic compositions. Hostetter’s background in illustration is evident through his incorporation of pencil drawing within certain pieces.
Although the works are playful, often inspired by designs from toy packages, lingerie patterns and commercial advertising, they also serve as metaphors for the current political climate.
Hostetter expresses his disdain for war through representations brimming with seditious intentions. From a distance, the works appear to be abstract, as vibrant colors and meticulously constructed forms catch the eye. However, upon closer inspection, we see that such forms are, in actuality, representations of satellite-guided weaponry, thus drawing our attention to the subject’s role as destroyer. These technological devices are never truly out of sight, and therefore are never out of mind.
In In the Deep, dark forms emerge from murky depths. What appears to be a swarm of sharks is actually a swirling arrangement of airplanes and missiles. They come to life, posing as living organisms, until their true identities are discovered. In Fertile, the graphic quality offers a dynamic composition in vivid red. The work is attractive in its movement and color. It is also evocative in its implications: rocket propelled grenades dart in every direction towards unseen targets, the effects of their impact unknown.
Hostetter earned his Master of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting in 2006 and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration in 1991 from California State University Long Beach. He has had numerous solo and group exhibitions throughout Los Angeles, New York and Paris.
Digital images are available for press purposes. Please email (info@samleegallery.com) for reproduction requests.
Sam Lee Gallery is located at 990 North Hill Street #190, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Phone 323-227-0275, Facsimile 323-227-0256. Gallery hours are Wednesday to Saturday, 12 to 6 pm and by appointment. For detailed information, please visit the gallery’s website, www.samleegallery.com.