Join Copro Gallery this Saturday, 9 November as they unveil new works by Jonathan Queen, Glenn Barr, Simona Candini and Xue Wang!
In his first ever solo exhibition at Copro Gallery, Jonathan Queen shares a new collection of fine art paintings celebrating vintage toys in ‘Mortal Observations’. Glenn Barr, also celebrating his first solo at the gallery, unveils works often drenched in the haze of post-apocalyptic urban dreamscapes. In stark contrast, Simona Candini brings her unique selection of Princesses into the spotlight, celebrating the influence of the Chinese Zodiac. Last but not least, Xue Wang’s latest collection has all of her well-loved bizarre pop surrealism, exploring the infinite possibilities of life beyond earth.
Jonathan Queen ‘Mortal Observations’
Simona Candini ‘Princesses Of The Chinese Zodiac’
Glenn Barr ‘Wrecked’
Xue Wang ‘Beyond Light Years’
Copro Gallery
Bergamot Station Arts Complex, 2525 Michigan Ave, #T5, Santa Monica, CA 90404, United States
Opening Reception: Saturday November 9, 2024, 6pm – 10pm
Exhibition Dates: November 9 – November 30, 2024
NEW HOURS: Friday 11-7PM- Saturday 1-5PM – Sunday 11-6PM
Ph: 310/829-2156
E-Mail: [email protected]
Jonathan Queen ‘Mortal Observations’ //
Jonathan Queen ‘Mortal Observations’ will be Jonathan Queen’s first solo exhibit with Copro Gallery. In this new collection of paintings, Jonathan places vintage toys within his still paintings to be used as metaphors for more complex themes making them lighter and more accessible.
Besides his fine art paintings, he has produced three of Cincinnati Ohio’s most known public art works, the Kroger Mural, The Kenner toy Mural and working with Carousel Works of Mansfield Ohio, created the art panels that surround Carol Ann’s Carousel. Jonathan grew up in Lexington Kentucky, studied fine art at Eastern Kentucky University and DAAP at the University of Cincinnati. Jonathan is also an avid toy collector, his favourite toy is a 1950’s Edward Mobley Squeaky lamb.
In this body of work, I am addressing concepts such as: waiting for news, distracting with amusements, fighting the chaos, pondering the future, and protecting what is precious.
I have always built personal meaning into my subject matter, but I prefer applicability to allegory. Even though toys are the main subject, hope and heaviness coexist in this body of work. It is impossible for me to separate my personal experience from the paintings I create. However, the openness of each narrative invites viewers to engage and contemplate their own journey.
Jonathan Queen
14″x 11″acrylic on panel
Simona Candini ‘Princesses of the Chinese Zodiac’ //
In Simona’s latest body of work, the collection is inspired by the beauty and power of the Chinese zodiac. This is a traditional classification scheme based on the Chinese calendar that assigns an animal and its reputed attributes to each year in a repeating 12-year cycle. The zodiac is very important in traditional Chinese culture and exists as a reflection of Chinese philosophy and culture. Chinese folkways held that one’s personality is related to the attributes of their zodiac animal.
Through vivid colours, intricate details, and a touch of magical realism, I wanted each princess to feel alive and deeply connected to her symbol, embodying qualities like strength, wisdom, and grace. My hope is that viewers will feel drawn into a world of symbolism and imagination, where each painting tells its own unique story.
Simona Candini
Simona Candini graduated at the Academy of Fine Arts University of Bologna and currently based in Italy. Her works, showcased in galleries around the globe, embody a beautiful yet sometimes dark world inhabited by big eyed girls and improbable creatures. With a stirring of emotions translated onto each new work of art, Simona brings her love of the old fairytales and childhood imaginings to us in a unique and poetic way. She is a traditional artist and enjoys using oils, watercolour, acrylics, graphite and pencils on paper, canvas and wood boards.
“My goal is to apply old master techniques onto my doll-like subjects. I’ve always worked in this direction, but now I feel I’m on the right path more than ever”. Simona deftly hand paints and personalizes most frames to match her artworks, creating unique pieces with her signature style.
Oil on Belgian Linen canvas mounted on panel
hand painted resin frame
Oil on Belgian Linen canvas mounted on panel
hand painted resin frame
Oil on Belgian Linen canvas mounted on panel
hand painted resin frame
Oil on Belgian Linen canvas mounted on panel
hand painted wood frame
Glenn Barr ‘Wrecked’ //
Wrecked will be Glenn Barr’s first solo exhibit at Copro Gallery. His surreal creatures, spectres and tragic characters live in a seedy universe, drenched in the grit and haze of a post-apocalyptic urban dreamscape. Glenn Barr was raised in the Midwest, USA, where the working-class environment engrained in him a strong work ethic and an affection for B movies, local music and trash culture. Born in Detroit, Michigan, and living throughout its metropolitan area, he graduated from the College for Creative Studies and went on to establish himself firmly in the art world.
His Detroit work has been labelled Pop Surrealism, Pop Pluralism, Lowbrow, Underground, Regional, Outsider, Ashcan – or as he coins the phrase, “B Culturalism”. Glenn finds inspiration in the city streets as well as from pop and counter cultures that infuse a familiarity in his many parallel realities. With a nod to old master painting, pulp art, comics and animation, Barr’s paintings are mesmerizing in their narrative complexities and technical depth.
35″ x 52″ acrylic on panel
22″ x 33″ acrylic on panel
Xue Wang ‘Beyond Light Years’ //
I’ve always been drawn to the mystery of life beyond Earth – what might exist in the vast, infinitive space? In this collection I create a window into worlds we can only imagine (for now…) through colour, texture, and surreal landscapes. As an invitation to ponder what life, intelligence, and beauty might look like in forms beyond our own to acknowledge that the universe holds secrets far beyond our comprehension.
Xue Wang
Xue Wang’s artistic background was originally in fashion. After obtaining a BA degree in Fashion in China, she relocated to London in 2002 and finished her MA in the same field. Painting and drawing, playing around with ideas, juxtaposing images and allowing her imagination free rein have all helped guide her development as an artist. The self-reflective intimacy of art forced her transition from fashion to painting. Xue explains: “I see art as a more direct way to express my creative ideas.” She has exhibited worldwide in many countries since 2010, and her paintings are coveted among international art collectors.
Epoxy clay sculpture, acrylic paint
Epoxy clay sculpture, acrylic paint
20” x 16.5”/ Frame 26.5” x 23”
About Copro Gallery //
The gallery, located at Bergamot Arts, is divided into two exhibition spaces, sometimes featuring a single artist but often two or three. Large group exhibitions are also featured often in conjunction with outside curators. In following with its original mission, Copro Gallery participates in International Art Fairs and curates outside exhibits to help promote their artists.
Focusing on museum quality installations showcasing emerging artists, Copro Gallery also exhibits many established and master painters. Placing works in private collections throughout the world, Copro strives to assist collectors new and experienced in building the most exciting collections possible.
