Expo Chicago 2024: Find us at booth #315

Rutger Brandt Gallery presents a duo booth showcasing work by Emmanuel Barcilon and Steffen Kern. 

Emmanuel Barcilon's paintings are a mesmerizing interplay of color, texture and depth. At first glance, his works may appear deceptively simple, monochromatic planes that entice the eye. However, upon closer inspection, an enchanting array of color and texture emerge from beneath the surface, revealing a kaleidescopic world that draw viewers into the infinite depths of the painting. He employs a distinctive technique involving pouring pigment and varnish over a horizontally placed wooden panel. Through skillful manipulation, he unveils underlying layers while preserving their essence. His process deliberately disturbs and wears away the surface layer of the panel, revealing the complexities and structural networks within the layers of color.

Working with pencil and charcoal on paper, Steffen Kern’s drawings are uniquely marked by luminous contrasts and a mastery of light and shadow. At first glance, they resemble photographs, capturing blooming visuals, depth of field, distortions, and shadows caused by direct light. However, upon closer examination, it becomes evident that Kern's images are actually meticulously rendered drawings. Heavily influenced by the principles of photography and drawing from his own imagination rather than real-life references, he constructs scenes that blur the lines between reality and imagination. The images are familiar and yet vaguely uncanny, falling somewhere between film stills and a universal subconscious archive. 

Both artists transcend traditional boundaries of their mediums, pushing the limits of perception and challenging viewers to question their own interpretations. Through their innovative techniques and skilled craftsmanship, Barcilon and Kern invite audiences to explore the interplay of illusion and reality.

Dates: 11 - 14 April 2024

Locaiton: Navy Pier, Chicago