Elements in Space

Surface, line and angle all combine to intriguing visual effect in the paintings on view in Timon I: Elements in Space. Otherworldly landscapes and interiors seem to immerse visitors to the exhibition in an expanse of natural and domestic motifs. Timon I delicately arranges subtle shifts of elements in space, modulating angle, perspective, line, gradient and color contrasts to offer harmonious vistas for the viewer. By placing the visitor within familiar yet ethereal scenes, the artist offers a springboard for guests’ imagination. Timon I is cognizant of the many aspects he balances when creating these artworks. “My work engages with my experiences of living in Minnesota and Hong Kong: two opposite places. I put objects from both environments to create balance.” This tenuous balance is held in place by a careful consideration of color tones, spatial dimension and a gratifying contrast of light and shadow.

The powerful presence of natural elements permeates works on view including “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” and “Leap of Faith.” In this first work, a fuschia light source builds jewel tone shadows around reeds and flowers encroaching on a bathroom sink. “Leap of Faith,” meanwhile, offers a vertiginous perspective built up around the visual texture of dappled light cast across a jungle scene complete with underground waterfall. The mystery Timon I builds up in these painting’s layers rests in the mysterious presence of humans just out of view of the picture plane. The formal realism and deft brushwork in these paintings build up magical yet tenable worlds at human scale throughout the gallery space. The artist recognizes the impact of certain elements across his compositions. “Light and color have always been the core and essential elements of my painting, and these two elements together create a sense of sublime…transcendence.” These dual aspects are faithfully expressed in Timon I’s paintings where he notes, “the idea is to allow viewers to look into my paintings, like looking through a window to see a different world.”

Visitors to Timon I: Elements in Space can encounter enticing and mysterious scenes at this captivating solo show, on view from February 2-25, 2023 at VillageOneArt in Chelsea.