Spirits in the Material World, by Gonzalo Papantonakis

Spirits in the Material World

Works by Gonzalo Papantonakis

Exhibition: April 11 - 29, 2013

gallery nine5 is pleased to present a series of paintings by Gonzalo Papantonakis in his third solo exhibition at the gallery. Spirits in the Material World will be on view from April 11 through April 29, 2013 at 24 Spring St, New York City. The artist will be present at an opening reception on Wednesday, April 10th from 6-9 pm.

Spirits in the Material World takes its title from “The Police” song of the same name. The lyrics, calling on our notions of what it takes to create real change, serve as a backdrop for the exhibit. Inspired by international political events, from the Arab Spring to Occupy Wall Street and the global rumblings in between, the artist’s mixed media paintings serve as a footnote to the revolutionary potential of the future, while paying homage to the tools that unify individuals eager to act against a broken system. Papantonakis pays special attention to social media, often credited with uniting voices that are otherwise silenced.

In these emotionally complex and symbolically rich works, the artist conflates his own memories with artifacts from print and news media, as well as the recognizable icons of our digital existence. Using his signature vocabulary of flora, musical characters, and mirror-image text, the artist considers the changes of the last three years, while charging the work with personal details like photographs, to connect the global story to his own narrative. As in past series, Papantonakis incorporates elements of collage, paper, canvas and wood. Because the artist’s latest paintings have become rooted in current events, repeated elements throughout the body of work have a direct correlation to images strewn across televisions in recent history.

The bandanas in this series, representations of revolutionary action, offer a double meaning. Serving as protection from tear gas often thrown at demonstrators, the paisley design on each bandana exemplifies a mass of people, marching together. Religious symbolism is given prominence as well. Angry Birds, 2013, features Horus, the god of war and protection and one of the most recognizable gods of Ancient Egypt, juxtaposed with Twitter birds and characters from a popular game. The painting gives a nod to the region responsible for igniting the spark of the Arab Spring, and the technological platforms that helped spread the message. The combination of disparate yet related images speaks to the way a symbol can ricochet through history, as well as spread an idea en masse.

Based in Los Angeles, Papantonakis spent his childhood between Uruguay and Argentina before traveling extensively within Europe and the United States. The artist’s work is held in prestigious collections throughout Europe, the United States, Latin America, Australia and Asia. Papantonakis has also completed numerous site-specific works including a monumental installation at the Thompson Hotel (Thom Bar) in New York City.

Angry Birds Mixed media on canvas 62 x 37 in | 157.5 x 94 cm

The Bandana Effect Mixed media on 12 panels 62 x 82 in | 158 x 207 cm

No Political Solution Mixed media on panel 60 x 36 in | 152 x 92 cm

Spirits in the Material World Mixed media on canvas 41 x 29 in | 105 x 74 cm

The Cathedral Mixed media (36 pieces) 118 x 176 in | 300 x 447 cm

Map Mixed media on canvas 70 x 132 in | 178 x 335 cm

The Throne Is Ours Mixed media on canvas and panel 48 x 62 in | 123 x 158 cm

The Communion Mixed media on canvas and panel 48 x 60 in | 123 x 153 cm

Two Fifty Six Mixed media on canvas (16 pieces) 52 x 52 in | 132 x 132 cm

Amplifier Mixed media on canvas and panel 27 x 20 in | 68 x 50.5 cm

Robot Mixed media on canvas 86 x 48 1/2 in | 219 x 123 cm

Troubled Evolution Mixed media on canvas 60 x 54 in | 153 x 137 cm

Star Wars Mixed media on wood door 75 x 25 in | 201 x 71 cm

Confusion Clearing Mixed media and metal sheet door 79 x 36 in | 201 x 91 cm

Inhale-Exhale Mixed media on canvas 72 x 36 in | 182 x 92 cm

24 spring st. new york, ny, 10012 | 212.965.9995 | info@gallerynine5.com