Of Masters and Myth
Kenneth Susynski
3 Mar - 10 Apr 2022
Of Masters and Myths is a two-pronged homage to select classical paintings and Greek mythology. Inspired by the efforts of the Old Masters to interpret biblical and mythological events and participants, Kenneth Susynski seeks contemporary translations that derive from his first-impulse reactions to these works and stories. Central to these works are spotlights on the figure, on subtle and blunt expression, and tight compositions that fasten to a specific narrative, thus allowing the independence of the brush and vitality of color to light the path. At conclusion, each of these paintings has both a bond to historical context as well as to a new tale that is receptive to personal response.
He is primarily a self-taught artist, discouraged by his parents from pursuing any form of personal passion as a career (“You will wind up driving a milk truck just like your cousin, Richard!” was an oft-delivered anthem that showed little faith nor encouragement). Thus, as to be expected of creative people, forced methodology produced the opposite effect and the heart was inherently followed with lifelong loyalty.
“Creatives of all talents possess the gift of peeling back the unseen and unexpected for the greater benefit of all – our goal is to depict the pristine beauty we see daily because we feel the obligation to release these joys to others. That is our role in the human fabric.”
Included in this exhibition is a baseball helmet with a little story.In 2010, Ken found a baseball helmet on a neighborhood street with the letter “S” on the front. Upon returning to the studio, he randomly painted the first words that came to his mind, “fascist twist”, on the front using the “S” logo. Since that day, the helmet has sat underneath every painting he has created and thus the beneficiary of countless drippings and flying paint as part of his process.
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