Currently on view at Modern Eden Gallery is a new collection of works by John Wentz entitled "Spectra”. In his third solo exhibition, Wentz continues to explore his interest in the human condition, focusing on the role that war and self-destruction play in our experience as human beings.
Stark landscapes and dilapidated carnival structures serve as backdrops to Wentz’ hauntingly beautiful paintings. Among these landscapes, figures wander and gaze in gas masks, interacting with this changing world around them. The gas mask appears throughout the imagery in this new series, symbolizing the fear of the unseen and unknown. Like many potent symbols in the work, it represents the will to survive amid the dehumanizing effects of war. The moody dystopian atmospheres are punctuated by subtle color shifts and a variety of paint applications varying from meticulous rendering, to loose, abstract expressionist strokes, describing figures and places like a visual shorthand.
"Spectra" is on view until May 4th, but be sure to check out the works in person during the closing reception on Friday, May 3rd from 6-9pm. Also on view in the gallery, is a group show curated by Wentz featuring the works of 13 Bay Area artists including Jaclyn Alderete, Matthew Robertson, Lisa Alonzo, Janet Ji Song, Mike Borja, Nicole Hayden, Jennifer Damas, Micah LeBrun, Steve Javiel, Daniel J. Valadez, Albert Ramos, Megan Wolfe, and Akira Beard.
