HERNAN BAS (USA, B. 1978)

Under the glimmering spotlight, a young man is shown performing on stage, his body heavily tilted backwards to suggest movement. The depiction of the lively atmosphere is rendered possible through the repeated overlay of paint in blots of crimson, black, blue, white, and pink, evoking the auditory memory of night time entertainment. Compared to many of Hernan Bas' figurative paintings, inspired by the highly detailed and decorative style of the Nabis, this work is a rare example that innovatively transgresses the boundaries of figuration and abstraction. Moreover, rather than showing the young protagonist inhabiting a fantasized world, the portrayal clearly implies a social context. The subject matter, a night time performance, also recalls works by French Impressionists in the second half of the 19th century. Degas's painting of Miss La La well demonstrates the tradition to depict popular entertainment as part of the urban spectacle. By taking an older art historical subject and recontextualizing it in his own palette, Bas has situated himself in multiple artistic practices.