NATURE'S TALE

Nature's Tale: Graham Curran, KiSung Koh & Susanne Apgar

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Opening: Saturday, April 30th, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Exhibition: April 30th - May 31st, 2016

On Saturday, April 30th, Flower Pepper Gallery is pleased to present, Nature’s Tale, an exhibition featuring stunning new works by Graham Curran, KiSung Koh, and Susanne Apgar. All three artists in this exhibition paint in a stunning contemporary-realistic style, but their subject matter is never focused on merely reproducing reality. When these artists set brush to panel they give us a glimpse of the fantastical worlds and creatures that exist in their imaginations. Each artist is uniquely inspired by a different facet of the natural world and through their vision we are able to experience the stories and hidden wonders that appear only to them.

Graham Curran grew up in a small beach community near Los Angeles, CA. He often remembers a feeling from those days of drifting in the ocean alone while imagining all that could possibly be swimming beneath. These daydreams greatly inspire Curran’s work as he masterfully captures the many different faces of the sea. His unique contemporary style gives new life to the great legends and creatures of the deep as he reveals the mystery and wonder of the ocean that still eludes us, terrifies us, and inspires us. With each new work he gives us another possibility of what could be lurking beneath the waves and with each new work he leaves asking, “what else?”

Similarly, KiSung Koh provides us with glimpses of nature not often beheld with human eyes. Rarely do we get to experience animals in their natural state or environment where they are undisturbed by our presence. However, KiSung paints from a place of deep understanding of nature that is both seen and unseen. Through dreamy auras of light and color surrounding his animals and illuminating their paws when they touch the ground, he quietly shows the unified bond of earth and its creatures. There is protection, mystery, and space for spirit and soul to roam freely. His work is alluring and inspiring for this stillness and euphoric atmosphere. His hope is that “As you see, feel, and hear animals, you will also find more of yourself.”

In addition to being inspired by nature, Susanne Apgar, was greatly influenced by the Surrealism movement of the 20th century and was captivated by its peculiar fur-covered cups and long-legged elephants. However, her work transforms these influences by combining them with her masterful realistic style, producing paintings that are full of personality and rich meaning. Stunning floral arrangements, that would make Dutch botanists envious, have hidden messages tucked away on their classically tattooed petals. Perfectly rendered animals are given bold new colors and patterns with often a fair dusting of glitter. Her manipulations of nature feel both fun and fresh but at its heart these juxtapositions contain something much more illuminating to be discovered.

While each artist in this impressive exhibition finds inspiration from nature, that is simply the beginning. Where they go from there allows us to experience our surroundings in a stirring new way. It allows us to envision what could be lurking beneath, or what hidden message could be tucked away within. It opens our minds to feel the spirit of the world and be moved in its presence. Nature’s Tale challenges us to see with our imaginations again and allows us the opportunity to be inspired by those who do.

All 3 artists will be attending the Opening! KiSung & Susanne will both be making the trip for the Opening from Canada! Hope to see you at the Opening! All is welcome!

Window Installation by Amy Van Gilder (one window) & Flower Pepper Gallery (one window)

Email contact@flower-pepper.com for Preview Link

Email pr@flower-pepper.com for Press Release

Facebook Event Page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/274558962876770/

Opening Night Photos by Amanda Marsh

Huge thanks to Supersonic Art for mentioning the exhibition:
http://supersonicart.com/post/143482764557/natures-tale-flower-pepper

Thank you to Urban Vinyl Daily for sharing the exhibition:
https://urbanvinyldaily.com