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9/12/2011

Two exhibitions

Jonathan LeVine Gallery, New York

Stephan Doitschinoff (Calma)
Novo Asceticismo (New Asceticism)

Jonathan LeVine Gallery is pleased to present Novo Asceticismo, new works by Sao Paulo-based Brazilian artist Stephan Doitschinoff (Calma), in what will be his second solo exhibition at the gallery. The show will feature canvases, drawings and multiples incorporated into a mixed-media installation and the debut of two new short films entitled Brilho do Sol (Sunshine) and Tudo é Vaidade (All is Vanity).

Doitschinoff creates a unique visual language and style by embracing his eclectic influences. Themes in his work are inspired by an informed spiritual history and heritage, rich in symbolism and often accompanied by Latin text. In Novo Asceticismo (New Asceticsm), he reflects on the sacrifice and deprivation necessary for modern man to live purely, without feeling alienated or falling into vices, mental traps and social conditioning of contemporary society. He explores concepts constituting new forms of practicing austerity in regards to self-discipline in manners of sexuality and the body as well as contemporary Shamanism. The work is permeated by themes of Asceticsm, redefined to reflect political issues of our times.


To research for this exhibition, Doitschinoff traveled to Portugal, studying cultural festivals of the northern region and the traditions of caretos who wear Ibera masks. These ceremonies and masks were the artist’s main inspiration in Lisbon where he created an installation in the form of a temple to serve as the site for his performance piece, Briho do Sol (Sunshine), documented in a short film which will be shown for the first time during Novo Ascenticismo.

As written by Carlo McCormick: “Subject to the effects of Christian fundamentalism and strict education in the wake of a two-decade-long military dictatorship in his native Brazil, Doitschinoff is responsive to (it’s) violence, institutional corruption and poverty. With his personal study of religious art and affinity for spiritualist practices—a synthesis of European Catholicism with African vernacular (Macumba in particular)—he can migrate with fluidity from street to chapel, producing fine art conjoined with both Western painting and indigenous folkloric craft traditions. Iconoclastic and outside institutional teachings of the church or esoteric theological systems, Doitschinoff is not concerned with conveying precepts of faith so much as investigating the psychic and historical topography of what it means to believe… He understands ‘god’ as a socio-cultural condition.”

About the artist
Stephan Doitschinoff (Calma) is a self-taught artist, born in 1977 in São Paulo, Brazil, where he is currently based. As the son of an Evangelical minister, Doitschinoff spent his childhood absorbing the visual vocabulary of religious art. As an artist, he has developed his own unique language and style through imagery that creatively combines Afro-Brazilian folklore with Baroque religious iconography, as well as Alchemic and Pagan symbolism. Stephan’s street alias, Calma (Portuguese for Calm) is also a shortened version of con alma (Latin for: with soul). He has exhibited in museums and galleries in the US, Brazil and Europe.

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Sam Gibbons
Directed by Kilroy

Jonathan LeVine Gallery is pleased to announce Directed by Kilroy, new works by Baltimore-based artist Sam Gibbons, in what will be his first solo exhibition at the gallery.



“While Gibbons’ work can be construed as over-stimulating, the difference is that it dares us to confront the frenzy, peer into the mess and emerge with something meaningful—something that requires contemplation. By negating narrative and letting the images speak for themselves, Gibbons challenges the viewer to surmise their own interpretation. He wants those who see his work to stop, think and process that which overwhelms.” — Jennifer Papas, Hi-Fructose Magazine

Gibbons paints on panels with custom-cut outer edges that silhouette and exaggerate the shapes contained within. He explores themes of mortality and carnal desire using cartoon characters as a vehicle. Gibbons’ works are bursting with colorful imagery, abstracted forms and elasticized figures—physically contorted and engaged in assorted acts of sex and violence. Subverting notions of moral value attributed to children’s entertainment with scenarios of depravity and debauchery, the artist exposes cartoons as a fitting device for portraying the collective corruption of innocence.

Some of Gibbons’ paintings resemble the Rorschach (or inkblot) test, when his imagery is symmetrical, mirrored on either side of the vertical center. This adds a psychedelic layer as well as an optical illusion of movement—shapes appear to merge, stretch, swell, grow in depth and fold back in on themselves.

With an interest in the darker side of humanity as well as pioneers of cartoon making, Gibbons draws inspiration from disparate sources. Some of the paintings in this exhibition reference the work of early cartoonists Bob Clampett and Tex Avery, as well as the murders of serial killer Charles Manson.

About the artist
Sam Gibbons was born in 1980 in Youngstown, Ohio, and is currently based in Baltimore, Maryland. Gibbons received a BFA in 2002 from Kent State University in Ohio, followed by an MFA in 2005 from Hunter College in New York City. In 2009, his work was added to the public collection of New Britain Museum of American Art, located in New Britain, CT.

About the gallery
Jonathan LeVine Gallery exhibits a genre of work influenced by illustration, comic book art, graffiti, street art and pop culture imagery. We represent a mix of emerging and mid-career artists with an emphasis on cultivating new talent and creating an environment where artists can further develop their work. Since 2005, the first year established in New York, Jonathan LeVine Gallery has remained focused on maintaining its mission of community and commitment to providing our artists with a nurturing arena for experimentation and discussion.

Opening 10 december 7-9pm

Jonathan LeVine Gallery
529 West 20th Street, New York
Hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm.
Admission free

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