Hernan Bas - Tapa dura

"The exhibition coincides with the publication of Hernan Bas, a lavish monograph that is the most comprehensive publication devoted to the artist's career to date." -ArtDaily

Combining loose, traditional draftsmanship, expressionistic brushwork and sometimes garish color, Mr. Bas creates pictures resembling illustrations for old-time boys' adventure novels, but with a gay twist. A mood of romantic yearning prevails. (New York Times) Primarily known as a painter, Bas is known for his overgrown landscapes and his intimate figurative portraits of beautiful boyish and hip young men. With a style that is energetic and gestural, his work nods to abstract expressionism yet remains contemporary in feel. His pieces are romantic and often uncompromisingly sexual with dark narratives or open landscapes. A soft palate is often met with gorgeous contrast of unpredicted dark darks and vibrant colours while his loose brushwork creates intricate textures. This lavish volume is the most complete and extensive book devoted to Bas's entire career thus far, focusing primarily on his paintings, but also featuring a small number of his film stills and illustrations. With over 200 gorgeously reproduced colour plates and texts by Nancy Spector, Christian Rattemeyer and Jonathan Griffin - all respected writers, curators, and critics - this volume will be a must-have for lovers of beautiful books and contemporary art aficionados alike.