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LeBasse Projects
presents:
'Botanica'
New Work from Melissa Haslam
'Savage
Justice'
New Work from Morgan Slade
Opening Reception: Saturday, July 17th,
7-10pm
Australian artist Melissa Haslam has based her recent paintings on the
relationship between humans and the natural world. Specifically focused on
interrupted cycles of life, her figures surrender to nature and allow themselves
to be overtaken by the wild and lush landscape that the artist so beautifully
creates.
In 'Botanica,' Haslam continues to explore her fascination between the idea of
femininity and nature. As flowers and roots take over the canvas, her figures
react as reminders of our symbiotic relationship with nature. Her female
characters take on animal characteristics - sometimes playing aggressively and
other times placid. In the animal world this kind of playfulness becomes
preparation for the violence that is needed for survival, a primitive state of
existence that is present in human nature but disguised by
civilization.
Morgan Slade creates one of a kind mixed media paintings by altering his
own digital photographs of scantily clad women with paint, pen, pencil and
collage he transforms straightforward images to chaotic madness. His pieces prey
on primitive natural instincts with a youthful aesthetic appeal and bright,
vibrant colors. By defacing exceptionally attractive people, Slade aesthetically
changes his figures to appear flawed in some manner. He creates visual metaphors
of consumerism, advertising and technology by inventing his own symbols or by
appropriating familiar
icons.
For 'Savage Justice' Slade goes one step further by collaborating with iconic
designer Betsey Johnson. This exhibition was shot on location in the Betsey
Johnson flagship store in Los Angeles utilizing clothing and models from
Johnson's own
line.
View Online: Preview
For additional inquiries or preview please
contact:
Beau Basse, Gallery
Director
at beau@lebasseprojects.com or
310.558.0200
www.lebasseprojects.com
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