Robert Russell consistently addresses ideas of memory, iconography, and mortality in a personal language that is attentive to beauty, the history of painting, and the role of photography. Best known for his photorealism, Russell's latest paintings are marked by a distinct soft focus indicative of the tenderness, personal affection, and emotional depth with which he approaches his subject. Set against a field of velvety black and decorated with blooming flowers, the gleaming porcelain bouquets seem to invoke the poignancy of memento mori and vanitas paintings, reminders of life's fragility.
Read MoreRobert Russell (b. 1971) completed his MFA at The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in 2006. Recent solo exhibitions include The Cabin, Los Angeles; Burrard Arts Foundation, Vancouver, B.C.; LA><ART, Los Angeles; François Ghebaly Gallery, Los Angeles; Big Pond Artworks, Munich; and Osmos, New York. He has been included in numerous group shows in Los Angeles including Roberts and Tilton Gallery, Material Press MOCA LA, and M+B Gallery. Russell lives and works in Los Angeles.
Text courtesy Anat Ebgi.
