QuintGallery.com

Kelsey Brookes is a former biochemist who attributes his raw style to an education system “that refuses to teach scientists to draw.” He abandoned biochemistry because, “I thought I was going to be there for a few months to get myself some money. Three years later I was left wondering if I had become what I always despised – the funny guy at the water cooler … except not so funny. I was the confused, not so funny guy at the water cooler.” Science’s loss is art’s gain. The work’s potency arguably lie’s in the way its clash of ancient and ultra-modern references downplay the sex and death, which are featured heavily in the work. Brookes describes his art as “an unrefined and, some would say, unskilled mix of sex, comedy and animals which is derived from a true passion for all three, except not necessarily all at the same time.”

Kelsey Brookes work exhibits a strong and unique interplay with figure, abstract forms and text. Brookes’ work increases the sense of awe and wonder found in his signature style with a “loosening” of the figure – where once the female forms had sharply defined contours and rendered details, they are now symbolic canvases for his seemingly limitless constellation of brightly colored micro scenes and characters. The work presents a captivating aura – from a far the small characters, shapes and patterns read as a more or less abstract swirl of color. Up close, the smiley faces and characters engage in all sorts of activity rewarding the careful viewer with a clear sense of joy. This plethora of reference points is usually executed with a central figure surrounded with an aura of objects, animals and plants.

Brookes has been featured in numerous pop culture and design publications such as GQ, Modern Painters, Paper, Juxtapoz, Beautiful Decay, Dazed and Confused, Re:Up, and HUCK. The artist has also teamed up for illustration work with the likes of RVCA, VANS, and Insight 51 as well as musical sensation Grand Ole Party. Brookes’ work is also embraced by the California surf-scene, something that devours his free time.

Quint Contemporary Art is pleased to exhibit new paintings by San Diego based artist Kelsey Brookes. The exhibition, BIGGER, BRIGHTER, BOLDER will be on view from November 20th through January 16th, 2010. This will be the artists first solo exhibition with Quint Contemporary Art. An opening reception will be held on Friday, November 20th from 6 to 8 PM and will include musical performances by The Dabbers and Lion Cut.

San Diego based artist, Kelsey Brookes, presents a fresh body of work that displays a strong and unique interplay with figure, abstract forms and text. Brookes’ new work increases the sense of awe and wonder found in his signature style by demonstrating a “loosening” of the figure – where once the female forms had sharply defined contours and rendered details, they are now symbolic canvases for his seemingly limitless constellation of brightly colored micro scenes and characters. The work presents a captivating aura – from afar the small characters, shapes and patterns read as a more or less abstract swirl of color. Up close, the characters engage in all sorts of activity rewarding the careful viewer with a clear sense of joy.

Energy is a kind of tangible intangible in painting. You know it when you feel it.

It’s as crucial to a minimal work, like a Robert Ryman white painting, as to a maximal one, such as a Ryan McGinness image filled with pictographic images and decorative motifs. The manifestations of energy in art are many — from the way a surface shimmers to the way forms relate to one another to the way paint covers a canvas. Art historian B.H. Friedman’s called his biography of Jackson Pollock “Energy Made Visible” for good reason.

So, when an artist’s work seems to possess this ingredient, attention should be paid. And the paintings in San Diego artist Kelsey Brookes’ new exhibition at Quint Contemporary Art fit the bill. “Bigger, Brighter, Bolder” is its title, which seems about right.