NEW TERRAINS Robert Standish:
NEW TERRAINS
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
The universe is volatile, but it is in its nature to seek balance In his studio, painter Robert Standish whose practice encompasses both the mastery of photorealism and the surrender of expressive abstraction embraces the pure fractal laws of nature, and also seeks to transcend them His latter day work has pursued abstraction to explore instinct, emotion, rhythm, and an untamed palette; and Standish has become increasingly aware of the way his body and vision become attuned to the energies of not only the paint but its potential As he works, a delicate conversation unfolds between what the heart has in mind and what the paint proposes
Standish’s enchantment with the metaphysical texture of the invisible world yields explosive ziggurats, prismatic passages of jewel-tone depths and impasto peaks, organic and glitchy ripples, interfered-with ethereal auras flecked with pure color, and poetic color stories that speak to the spectrum of emotion. Increasingly, the intuitive forces that guide his hand toward compositional, optical, and psychical balance from beyond this plane have manifested echoes from within it. As the landscape, the sea and sky, the forest and flower, the cave and peak, the river and valley have whispered to make their real world splendor known from within the painted field of imagination, their topographies are understood as both embodiments of nature’s laws and metaphors for our connection to something greater.
Contemplating the evocative crested furrows across the works’ surfaces, one wonders, is the pulsating blue the hue of the celestial canopy, or water and ice? Is a deep green that has soothed the eye an avatar of endless, feral forest? A fleshy pink continues to disrupt, to remind, to hold space for artifice The mind searches for a horizon or sighs at a glancing ray of light, and is moved to think of storms and snow. Is it all really there, in the painting? The answer is yes, or if not entirely yes, then at least more yes than usual, as the exhibition’s title can be read as both permission to see images in the abstractions and as an acknowledgment of an ongoing state of exploration.
Feeling that he channels or receives rather than plans or controls, Standish joyfully recognizes that the paint itself is turning its attention toward the world around us moving from the splendor of the whole universe to the majestic beauty of this time and place In the way that JMW Turner sought an abstract pictorial language before the word existed, and in the way that Sam Francis courted chance, and early expressionists amplified pattern and texture, Standish is searching for a balance between what is seen and what is only sensed, what is believed and what is beheld, what is human and what is divine or better still, a balance between all of it
Shana Nys Dambrot Los Angeles, 2024
Robert Standish is a Los Angeles-based painter whose career has undergone a profound and inspiring transformation. Once celebrated as a photorealist, Standish built his early reputation on technically precise, meticulously rendered depictions of urban life images that blended street scenes, blurred lights, and poignant social commentary with a level of detail that bordered on the photographic These works often carried an undercurrent of irony, juxtaposing the grit of street life with the polished corporate logos that seemed to sponsor it
Yet, 14 years ago, Standish experienced a pivotal artistic shift, driven by what he describes as a desire to break free from the ego-driven deliberation of photorealism. This moment sparked his journey into abstraction, a form he now approaches with an emphasis on spontaneity, spiritual resonance, and the transformative power of color.
As an abstract painter, Standish creates vibrant, emotionally charged compositions that pulse with energy His works, often layered with bold gestures and textured surfaces, feel alive with movement and possibility. Using brushes and palette knives, he orchestrates bursts of color that seem both random and intentional, creating a dynamic tension that invites viewers into a space of joy and reflection. He speaks of his paintings as energetic and uplifting, each piece a visual exploration of light and positivity
Standish’s career as an abstract artist has been deeply influenced by Abstract Expressionism, the transcendental qualities of Abstract Spiritualism, and the chromatic explorations of Color Field Painting These inspirations shine through in his work, yet he maintains a unique voice that is distinctly his own. His paintings are not just exercises in color and form but expressions of his broader artistic philosophy a commitment to embracing spontaneity, avoiding repetition, and bringing a sense of divine inspiration to his process
His dedication to abstraction has earned him a place in the permanent collections of esteemed institutions such as the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, JP Morgan Chase, the Weisman Foundation, and the Crocker Art Museum, among others Standish’s works have also been featured in international exhibitions, including solo shows like “Energy Orchestration” at Martin Lawrence Gallery in La Jolla, and group exhibitions at the Hammer Museum and Laguna Art Museum. A notable highlight of his career was a duo show with legendary abstract artist Sam Francis, signaling his emergence as a vital force in contemporary abstraction.
Standish’s practice is rooted in a deep humanity. He speaks openly about his relationship with his work, expressing a sense of gratitude when his paintings find new homes and a commitment to creating without judgment or attachment. This grounded, personal approach shines through in his art, offering audiences not just a visual experience, but an invitation to share in his journey toward freedom, joy, and creative spontaneity. A b o u t t h e A r t i s t : R o b e r t S t a n d i s h
Heliophile 60″ diameter
Acrylic on Canvas
This painting is a visual ecstasy, reminiscent of the radiant rise of the sun The composition radiates outward, with each hue maintaining its strength while complementing the others The juxtaposition of warm and cool tones creates a sense of tension and momentum, reinforcing the dynamic and invigorating structure of the piece The circular form encourages exploration, allowing the viewer to engage with every part of the canvas The artist’s use of a round canvas disrupts traditional framing, enhancing the organic and fluid nature of the composition
There is a tension between order and chaos structured chevron-like marks dissolve into a more erratic, smeared application of paint The painting challenges perception, forcing the eye to navigate its unpredictable shifts in direction and form It can be read as a reflection on digital aesthetics or as a purely formal exploration of texture and movement, leaving interpretation open-ended
Night Hike
36 x 25
Acrylic on Canvas
This piece captures the sensation of traversing a moonlit landscape where the natural world transforms under the glow of the night sky Standish’s latest work presents a striking contrast between deep, saturated blues and jagged eruptions of vibrant color, echoing the way moonlight reveals the hidden vibrancy of the nocturnal wilderness The composition is dense, layered, and restless, with fractured forms that appear to shift and recombine, much like the shifting shadows and fleeting glimmers of bioluminescent life
The dominant navy and cobalt tones establish a heavy, immersive backdrop, reminiscent of the vast night sky stretching above a quiet trail Streaks of red, green, pink, and orange disrupt the darkness like nature’s jewels catching the light wildflowers glowing under the moon, distant city lights on the horizon, or the shimmer of unseen creatures stirring in the underbrush Zigzagging patterns and abrupt shifts in tone create a sense of tension, as if the image is caught mid-transformation
Blueverse 48 x 72
Acrylic on canvas 2024
This horizontal landscape, defined by cool tones, conveys a striking icy quality that gives the viewer a palpable sense of chill. The composition achieves balance through squiggly cross-strokes of colors that, though vibrant, remain subtle, creating an almost rainbow-like effect across the canvas. The lower section mirrors the elements above, blurring the distinction between land and sky. The energetic brushwork contributes to a three-dimensional quality, making the landscape feel dynamic and alive. This portrayal suggests a natural world in constant flux, marked by both unpredictability and evolution. Despite its apparent chaos and complexity, the composition reveals an underlying order, encouraging the viewer to pause and reflect.
Red Ridge 36x48
Acrylic on canvas 2024
This soft and intricate composition, invites the viewer into a world of subtle complexity. The rainbow-like colors create a visual depth, while the muted reds, applied with evident intensity, draw attention without overwhelming These tones possess a quiet allure, encouraging exploration across the canvas Delicate accents of blue, yellow, and red punctuate the work, adding an element of unpredictability and a sense of warmth The overall effect is one of quiet fascination and enchantment
In the Bush
50 x 40
Acrylic on canvas 2024
Centered around a rich spectrum of viridian green, both cool and warm, this painting captures the essence of a lush, vibrant rainforest, instilling a sense of being surrounded by nature’s beauty. There is a primordial quality to the work, as though it captures the raw essence of nature, teeming with energy and an abundance of greenery. The inclusion of a central copper hue provides a striking contrast to the dominant greens allowing the colors to coexist in a dynamic yet cohesive way.
Turquoise Terrain
36 x 24
Acrylic on canvas 2025
This painting offers a bold and vivid depiction of underwater life, using a rich palette that captures the vibrancy of the aquatic world The thick application of paint gives the canvas a tactile quality, enhancing the sense of depth and texture The dynamic interplay of colors and brushstrokes creates a sense of movement, effectively conveying the feeling of being submerged in water, encouraging a direct engagement with its lively and fluid composition
Oasis
36 x 24
Acrylic on canvas 2024
Characterized by its subtle use of color, the composition has an aerial quality, where the sky and ground appear to merge and reach toward each other, embodying two opposing forces that coexist in a balanced harmony. The work invites a contemplative, almost meditative engagement, encouraging viewers to explore the nuances of the artist’s restrained yet lyrical style. The contrast between vibrant and more muted tones adds variety, ensuring the piece maintains visual interest without becoming overwhelming.
2025
Lush
48 x 24
Acrylic on canvas
This painting presents a structured yet organic interpretation of a rainforest cross-section, utilizing a spectrum of green tones and fluid, interwoven forms The composition is dynamic, with movement extending across multiple directions, yet it maintains a sense of cohesion Light plays a crucial role, creating contrast and depth, highlighting the distinctions between the various shades of green Despite the dynamic movement across different diagonals, the composition maintains a lyrical quality, enhanced by light filtering through and accentuating the contrast between the diverse greens
Phantasia
Acrylic on canvas
This painting is an explosion of color, with hues radiating in every direction, creating a dynamic, dancelike movement across the canvas. The varied values and chromatic intensity contribute to a lively composition. Despite the visual activity, there are moments of rest and negative space that enhance the drama of the surrounding shapes, allowing the eye to navigate the complexity without feeling overwhelmed. A true balance between chaos and calm creates an engaging experience. This circular artwork is a dynamic exploration of movement and distortion, achieved through a controlled yet unpredictable manipulation of color and texture. The zigzagging patterns, layered with various hues, create a sense of visual instability, making the surface appear in flux.
MINT TRAIL
48 x 72
Acrylic on canvas 2024
This painting balances intensity and stillness, creating a visually engaging experience Deep blues blend with whites and muted yellows, producing a sense of depth and movement The varied brushstrokes form organic shapes that guide the eye, establishing a meditative rhythm While blue dominates at first glance, closer inspection reveals subtle jewel tones emerging beneath the surface, introducing complexity and contrast This intersection of calmness and surprise encourages contemplation, making the artwork both inviting and richly layered
Liquid Bloom 36 x 25
Acrylic on canvas
Standish’s painting is a meditation on duality where the fluidity of water meets the delicacy of flora Soft blues, greens, and violets swirl in rhythmic undulations, suggesting the serenity of tranquil waters and the ephemeral beauty of unfolding petals The zigzagging brushstrokes lend movement to the stillness, creating a visual tension between calm and vitality These soothing hues create an atmosphere reminiscent of peaceful waters and gentle skies, inviting contemplation and calmness The intertwining forms engage in a rhythmic dance, conjuring the image of delicate petals unfurling to greet the sun
Riptide 72 x 48
Acrylic on Canvas
Standish conjures a tropical seascape where color and motion converge in a restless, rhythmic dance
The oceanic mirage unfolds through a predominantly blue palette, evoking both depth and vitality
Vivid streaks of orange, purple, and pink slice through the cool expanse, disrupting its serenity like fleeting bursts of sunlight on turbulent waters These luminous accents act as counterpoints to the blues, offering moments of visual respite glimpses of warmth amid the shifting intensity of its ocean like surface
Transcendental Trip
48 x 48 ( two 48 x 24 canvases )
Acrylic on canvas
2025
This striking piece showcases the artist’s expert use of light and shadow, creating a striking contrast that feels both bold and intricate. The tonal contrast interplay throughout the composition is elevated by vibrant touches of green, blue, purple, and cream, which together form a rich peacock-inspired palette. The thick application of paint enhances both the depth and texture, allowing the bright and muted tones to merge effortlessly while retaining their individual presence. This artwork is a dynamic example of contemporary flair, adding a sense of energy and sophistication to any space.
Golden 48 x 36
Acrylic on canvas
In this remarkable composition, the artist demonstrates a sophisticated command of color, weaving together a harmonious yet dynamic interplay of tones Dominated by the earthy richness of yellow ochre, the palette is both subdued and radiant, its warmth grounding the piece while simultaneously allowing bursts of energy to emerge Violet-red, burnt umber, and magenta slice through the surface, introducing a delicate tension that enlivens the canvas without overwhelming it These hues create a visual dialogue that is at once both calming and invigorating The soft golden hues unfurl across the space, meandering in varied directions, imparting a sense of motion and fluidity that breathes life into the composition.
Flourish 24x 18
Acrylic on canvas 2024
A clear diagonal division, established by fluid, undulating brushstrokes traverses the canvas. The upper section is dominated by rich mocha hues, which gradually soften and blend into the cooler tones below. The artist introduces a subtle but effective use of blues, greens, and purples, which contrast with the warmth of the mocha and cream. This contrast creates a dynamic tension between the warm and cool elements, adding depth and a sense of movement to the composition. The careful modulation of color and tone invites a sense of both fluidity and balance, drawing attention to the delicate interplay between opposing forces.
Transcendental Terrain (Red)
40 x 30
Acrylic on canvas
This work examines the relationship between complementary reds and greens, with strategic interventions of purple, yellow, and pink accents The reds are carefully balanced within the composition, allowing for a harmonious integration with the surrounding colors Warm gray tones provide a restrained backdrop, enabling the more vibrant hues to stand out with clarity and intensity The interplay between muted and saturated colors establishes a dynamic tension, where the presence of one color enhances the perception of the others, creating a nuanced visual dialogue
Flock
24 x 18
Acrylic on canvas
This painting is characterized by its dominant use of white and creamy tones, interspersed with dynamic brushstrokes of green that unify the composition It conjures the imagery of bird wings in flight or a flock soaring gracefully, with subtle hints of blue emerging from the top left corner, enhancing its aerial perspective The fresh application of paint imbues the work with an ethereal quality, while the diverse accents along the edges create a framing effect that invites the viewer’s gaze inward, lending the piece a vibrant and dynamic presence
Energy Migration
60 x 48
Acrylic on canvas
As the title of the painting implies, it captures the migration of energy radiating in all directions. The vibrant dialogue between electric orange and green draws the viewer’s gaze toward the center, only to be redirected by the playful wiggly effect of the green to the right. The grounding presence of gray, lilac, and brown tones serves as neutral backdrops, allowing the striking green and orange to take center stage. Other surprising hues subtly weave throughout the composition, inviting the viewer to explore the mystery and intricacy of less dominant colors that coexist harmoniously without competing with the more primary shades.
Mindscape
30 inch diameter
Acrylic on canvas 2024
The circular composition, paired with a restrained color palette, creates a sense of continuity, where each hue, though muted, maintains a commanding presence. This approach highlights the artist’s skill in generating dynamic energy within a limited range of colors. The result is a piece that balances vibrancy with calm, using minimal tones to create an atmosphere that is both lively and serene. The painting demonstrates a careful control of energy, achieving a subtle yet compelling tension between movement and stillness.
Conduit 24 x 18
Acrylic on canvas
This compact yet impactful painting is energized by a mix of primary and secondary colors set against a neutral gray background The composition carries a tribal sensibility, with selective use of white accentuating the vibrancy of the surrounding hues The sparing application of white is a deliberate choice, drawing attention to key elements within the piece and allowing the other colors and brushwork to take prominence. This controlled approach results in a visually dynamic work that maintains a sense of balance and intensity throughout.
Transcendent Trail
50 x 40
Acrylic on canvas 2024
The painting is dominated by blue and green tones, with copper and warm hues framing the composition along the top and bottom, while subtle violet accents emerge from the sides The work seems to be contained yet simultaneously in motion, with energy rising from the lower section and cascading downward from above Despite its cool color palette, the dynamic bursts of warmth inject a sense of vitality and openness, creating an unexpectedly inviting atmosphere The result is a piece that feels both playful and unpredictable, charged with a sense of vibrant energy
(Entry Point)
Destination
36 x24
Acrylic on canvas 2024
The painting functions as a portal, drawing the viewer into a dynamic world of blue, punctuated by a range of bright, candy-like colors The composition feels like an invitation to a journey, with deeper shades of blue and purple framing the scene Energetic brushstrokes direct the eye toward a more subdued center, suggesting a passage to a place of calm and expansive freedom The work balances movement and tranquility, creating a sense of both openness and possibility
A B O U T M A S H G A L L E R Y
Established in 2018 under the visionary leadership of renowned expressionist painter Haleh Mashian, MASH Gallery stands as a premier destination for contemporary art and among the best art galleries in Los Angeles. Originally located in the vibrant Arts District of Downtown LA, MASH Gallery took a bold step forward in 2022, relocating to the heart of the design district in West Hollywood
Helmed by Haleh Mashian, a multifaceted artist with expertise in painting, curation, music, and fashion design, MASH Gallery is dedicated to providing a platform for both emerging and established local as well as international artists. The gallery takes pride in its commitment to thematic exhibitions, creating a dynamic and engaging space that captivates contemporary art enthusiasts, collectors, and interior designers alike.
As a leading Los Angeles art gallery, MASH Gallery has earned acclaim for its thoughtfully curated programming, emphasizing thematic exhibitions that push the boundaries of creativity. The gallery’s move to West Hollywood strategically places it at the center of the design district, underscoring its commitment to being a focal point for artistic inspiration and innovation.
MASH Gallery proudly embraces the mantra of “Art for the sake of Art,” fostering an environment where creativity takes center stage Haleh Mashian envisions the gallery as a unifying force within the community, bringing people together through a shared appreciation for artistic expression
Whether you explore our captivating West Hollywood art gallery or engage with our artists through our online platform, MASH Gallery invites you to immerse yourself in a world where contemporary art transcends boundaries and speaks to the soul
Experience the intersection of creativity and design, as MASH Gallery continues to redefine the landscape of the Los Angeles art scene.