Vebjørn Sand's timely epic paintings find heroes in the midst of barbarism. Gallery Sand, November 11th 2011, through January 15th, 2012.
Norwegian painter Vebjørn Sand uses these and other historical events from the Second World War to explore the power of individual choice in response to tyranny in an exhibit of epic works at Gallery Sand, 277 West 4th Street at Perry in the West Village, New York, opening November 11th, 2011 running through January 15th, 2012.
“The Nazis may seem like old news, but they look very new and powerful in Sand’s paintings, reminding us that they are still in fashion, however much their uniforms have changed.” comments art critic Donald Kuspit in an essay in the exhibition’s catalogue. He goes on to say, “None of Sand’s young victims…are emotionally helpless, however socially helpless they may be.”
“Scenes from the Second World War” is a project that has taken Sand many years to complete, yet the works are as topical as the evening news, conveyed with an expressive power that cuts through our habitualized indifference to violence and social unrest. His masterful use of light and the painted surface viscerally reveal the stark contrast between passive acceptance of authority and moral choice at the heart of civilized society. Kuspit concludes, “Sand’s ironical painting – an aesthetic masterpiece, as well as a masterpiece of psycho-social insight – shows how Nazi destructiveness becomes self-destructive.”
Sand, who lives in New York, is a celebrated artist in Norway since he appeared on the scene with an exhibition of paintings from Antarctica in 1998. The outdoor exhibit overlooking Oslo, called the “Troll Castle” was visited by 180,000 people becoming the best-attended art exhibit by a living artist in Norwegian history.
Read more about "Scenes from the Second World War" at Vebjørn Sand's web page.