Exhibitions
BRUCE BRAINARD: ILLUMINATIONS
David Lusk Gallery Memphis / 97 Tillman St. April 21 - June 1st
Bruce Brainard
David Lusk Gallery is pleased to announce Illuminations, featuring new works by Bruce Brainard. Illuminations offers a journey into the beauty of the American landscape, as interpreted through Brainard's oil on canvas pieces.
Drawing inspiration from his upbringing in the landscapes of the Snake River Valley, Idaho, Brainard's artistic vision has been shaped by a lifelong curiosity and interest in the natural world. His connection to the outdoors serves as the cornerstone of his creative expression, giving his work a sense of authenticity and contemplation. At the heart of Brainard's artistic philosophy lies the belief in art's capacity to evoke profound emotions and insights. Embracing Picasso's dictum that "The purpose of art is to express the great emotions," Brainard endeavors to encapsulate the essence of human experience through his own meditations and depictions of nature. Through his sensitivity to light and color and scale, Brainard crafts landscapes that invite viewers to immerse themselves in the beauty of the world around them.
In Illuminations, Brainard delves into the vast American landscape, using those vistas as a metaphorical canvas upon which to explore the complexities of the human experience. His paintings serve as allegorical reflections on life's journey, with each brushstroke providing reflection and introspection. Central to Brainard's artistic process is his innovative approach to composition and technique. Employing a combination of photography and digital manipulation, Brainard seamlessly merges multiple images to create harmonious and visually arresting landscapes.
One of the most captivating aspects of Brainard's work is his ability to capture the qualities of light. In pieces such as Cloud Series vii Brainard masterfully renders the subtle interplay of light and shadow, giving the skyscape a great deal of depth and dimension. With each brushstroke Brainard invites us to pause, reflect, and connect with the beauty that surrounds us.
Bruce Brainard received his BFA and MFA from Brigham Young University. He lives and works in Utah, and he has exhibited in galleries in New York City, Carmel, CA, New Orleans, Santa Fe, Houston and Salt Lake City. His work is featured in the collections of Herman Hospital, Houston; The Landmarks Group, Atlanta; Brigham Young University, Provo, UT; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Utah; First Tennessee Bank, Memphis; National Congress of Art and Design, Salt Lake City; Credit Suisse, Chicago & New York; Ritz Carlton, Naples, FL; Time Warner Communications, Houston; and UPS Corporation, Atlanta. Congress of Art and Design, Salt Lake City; Credit Suisse, Chicago & New York; Ritz Carlton, Naples, FL; Time Warner Communications, Houston; and UPS Corporation, Atlanta.
David Lusk Gallery hours are Tu-Sa, 10-5. For more information or visuals, please contact Judith Jessup at 615-780-9990 or judith@davidluskgallery.com.
Image: Auspicious, oil on canvas, 2024
