That New Space

Contemporary Art

Gavin Rain

Introduction

Rain's work is about understanding the role of others in our lives. His style brings forward "that which is hidden in plain sight". Through texture and pixel-like paint applications Rain creates artworks that are not instantly recognisable and that constantly change, depending on the distance between the viewer and artwork.

	Technique 1. Paint is applied in an intricate mass of circles.
	2. The technique, which took a significant amount of time to develop, is similar to a woodcut, in that the bigger each dot, the less of the black canvas is seen so the brighter the area.
	3. This is also true of the lighter colours which come on top; as they change in size, the highlights of the form change.
	4. An important part of the work is also the texture.
	5. Because the work is accessible at two viewing distances (close up is tangible, far off is intellectual), the texture is an important part of the message.

The resolve

As the viewer steps back, more of the image becomes visible. This reinforces the message of taking note of things that are hidden in plain sight; recognising that which is a part of our lives that we overlook. Sometimes the resolve is subtle, emphasising a more hidden role that someone might play.

Colour

The paintings vary widely in colour, sometimes naturalistic, sometimes a conservative range, other times not.

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Marlene Dumas
William Kentridge
Robert Hodgins

Willie Bester
Ester Mahlangu
Robert Slingsby

Richard Scott
Conrad Botes
Gavin Rain

Doreen Southwood
Chiho Aoshima
Enrico De Paris

+27 (0)83 769 4024 | art@thatnewspace.com