NYAB Event - Beau Stanton “Arcane Archetypes”

Beau Stanton “Arcane Archetypes”

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An exhibition of new work by Beau Stanton, in what will be his first solo show at the gallery and will feature 12-14 paintings. Arcane Archetypes will center on the Major Arcana
of the Tarot and stem from Stanton’s exploration of its various symbolism, imagery and mysticism. Stanton’s paintings connect old world traditions and visuals with modern technology and ideals to communicate universal tenets. Arcane Archetypes integrates Stanton’s quintessential images and pervading themes, in his usual fanfare of color and filigree, to interpret the esoteric nature of the Tarot. Conducive to his process of layering oil paint with ornate silkscreen compositions, this body of work offers an examination of the mystical layers that form the principles of the Tarot and its divine and practical application throughout history. Embarking on the age-old tradition of the Tarot allows for a reinterpretation of a timeless study while adapting its essence to reevaluate its concurrency with both the individual and the evolution of man.

“My first intention with this body of work was to create a series of images that instill a lasting imprint into the viewer’s subconscious. As an initial point of departure I started to research one of the most recognizable and iconic sets of images, the Major Arcana of the Tarot. After studying several existing decks, I discovered that some of the images shared common ground visually and conceptually with several paintings I had created in the past. This led me to fuse elements from both my existing visual language and the ancient iconography of the Tarot to construct a revived interpretation of the Major Arcana. As the series progressed, entirely new images developed out of the process incorporating symbols from Alchemy, Freemasonry, and Ancient Mysticism resulting in a series of paintings excavated from the past and re-imagined for the present. Although the images of the Tarot are widely known and instantly recognizable, the reason for their visual potency and lasting impact is rarely understood by the uninitiated. In Arcane Archetypes, I aim to present these images in a contemporary way in order to provide some insight into their meaning and potential as extremely dense communicative devices.” – Beau Stanton