Seth Chwast by Chianciano Art Museum

Seth Chwast The Language of Art

Inter nat iona l C onfe derat ion of Ar t Cr it ics

Seth Chwast

Front cover: Self Study Fragments, 24 x 24, acrylic on wood Self Studies and Portraits, 2005

Seth Chwast

ICAC

International Confederation of Art Critics

Seth Chwast The Language of Art

Seth Chwast

Contents

The Artist

‘The Enchantment of Instinctive Fervour’

‘The Vivid Eloquence of Colours’

‘A Journey of Self Discovery’

Timothy Warrington, International Confederation of Art Critics

Karen Lappon, International Confederation of Art Critics

Elena Foschi, Art Historian

‘A Silent Explosion of Expression’

Christopher Rosewood, International Confederation of Art Critics

‘The Essence of True Artistry’

Elena Foschi, Art Historian

Selected Exhibitions & Events

List of Works

Edited by the International Confederation of Art Critics

Seth Chwast

“[...]No l abel can define Seth’s work: Visionary art, Intuitive art, Marginal art, art Singulier; these are all ways to define, limit, and make this form of art comprehensible to us, the real ou tsiders.” Karen Lappon International Confederation of Art Critics, 2017

Seth Chwast

Seth Chwast Courtesy of Herbert Ascherman

Biography

The Artist

Bright, gentle, and imaginative, Seth Chwast is an American artist who was diagnosed with autism at 21 months. Primarily non-verbal, Seth participated in a vocational evaluation at age 18 which resulted in a career recommendation of dry mopping. At 20, he took his first art class and by 23 was on the Today Show as a featured artist. Now 34, Seth has shown in hospitals, museums and universities throughout America. He has exhibited in Galapagos, Cayman, Curacao, Kiev, the United Nations, and throughout Europe. In 2011, Seth came in first place in a world-wide United Nations competition and his art was placed on a postal stamp to promote autism awareness. In 2015, Seth had his first European exhibition in France and in 2017 he was a featured artist at the London Art Biennale, where he earned the European Confederation of Art Critics Award, Third Prize. Also in 2017, Seth’s work was presented at the Chianciano EXPO in Tuscany, Italy, “Emotions on Canvas” June 9-25th and “Expressions of the Mind” July 5-30th. In addition, Seth’s art was selected and on show at the Chianciano Art Museum for the whole summer. Subsequently, Seth’s paintings were chosen for an exhibition in Gallery Steiner of Vienna, Austria, in 2018.

Seth Chwast

â&#x20AC;&#x153;[...] Seth is truly free. He is free from lines, forms, subjects, technique and style. Colour seems to be the only means through which we can truly connect and begin to understand. Or maybe that is also an illusion. Because when passing from one painting to the next, every thought, theory or comprehension seems to reset itself and we are left with the feeling of being led into a world we have no control over because there is no control, there are no rules nor restrictions.â&#x20AC;? Karen Lappon International Confederation of Art Critics, 2017

Seth Chwast

Coney Island Parachute Jump -“Roller Coasters” Series 72” x 30”, acrylic on canvas, 2008 (with details)

Critique

The Enchantment of Instinctive Fervor Timothy Warrington International Confederation of Art Critics

Seth Chwast is an exceptional naĂŻve artist of incomparable talent who is capable of channelling his inventive energy through an infinite range of techniques and expressive avenues. The viewer perceives a unique creative flow that is totally free to communicate the artistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inner self with an artistic passion that has no barriers nor preconceptions. Chwast visually investigates and interprets his latent and intuitive thoughts to such an extent that the viewers, in turn, are encouraged to a deeper understanding of their intimate subconscious. Chwast goes beyond traditional artistic movements, ordinary media, regular styles or exemplary themes - his power to contrive parallel worlds from external stimuli is unmatched and unobstructed. An ancient purity and a bold directness are the qualities that allow Chwast to be a spontaneous artist who moves, involves and awakens hope with every composition. Like a crashing wave, Chwastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fierce innovative nature engages and enthrals the spectator through a wonderful journey to a forgotten place of innocent dreams. An inventiveness rooted in the, innately unconstrained, glorious tradition of Art Brut initiated by French artist Jean Dubuffet. During a never ending process of self-discovery, Chwast has built an impressive collection of work, conceived as a product of instinct, an impressive imagination and unique intellect,

Seth Chwast

Northern Lights, Snow on Trees, Lakes and Rivers and Land - “Northern Lights” Series 30” x 38” each, oil on canvas, 2006

totally immune from conventional cultural influences. Establishing his own rules in a generally rigid contemporary art scene, Chwast demonstrates an expressive power, effectively free from limitations and prejudice but enriched by a considerable variety of personal experiences. After travelling all around the world, from the tropics to modern cities, Chwast has collected memories and ideas while absorbing the colours, sensations, aromas and emotions of his surroundings. Chwast adores silence but his paintings speak far louder than words. Diagnosed with severe autism as a very young child, Chwast discovered his genuine vocation in a painting lesson at the age of 20. From that day forward he has never stopped: tireless motivation, endless joy and enduring dedication has made him the great artist he is today - a creative genius capable of catapulting the viewer into an intensely enthralling adventure conceived

in the corners of his subconscious mind. Thus, from vibrant shades of dancing abstractions to animated magical beings, Chwast has forged a universal language, motivated by the most powerful engine: the burning desire to express himself in a society that is not truly able to understand him. Nevertheless, Chwastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s communicates from his heart and his artistic expression perforates sensitive souls, remaining etched in the memories of spectators. Chwastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creations are open windows to his secret, charismatic and mysterious world. This artist is saturated with artistic awareness that emerges in all its majesty, giving rise to eternal artwork - creations that endlessly electrify, invigorate and magnetise.

Timothy Warrington International Confederation of Art Critics

Seth Chwast

“[...] The key to Seth’s world is through the ultimate pact between artist and viewer that we must leave all superstructures behind us and embrace the beauty he is generous enough to give us a glimpse of. The acceptance of this state of being, not only prepares us to understand Seth’s art, but sets us free.” Karen Lappon International Confederation of Art Critics, 2017

Seth Chwast

Critique

“King Seth can fly anywhere. He can fly to New York City. He can see Manhattan floating. Manhattan has lots of buildings. Manhattan has a slew of rides and attractions. The Mythic Creatures are in The East River and The Hudson River and in The Sky. There are a slew of Colors. King Seth can see Sea Animals, Turtles, Dolphins, Fishes, Jellyfishes, Clams, Octopuses, Whales and Stingrays. It is Day and Night. The Solar System has Sun, Moon, Rocket Man, Space- ships, Meteors, Stars, and Planets. King Seth feels thrilled, excited, surprised and Enthusiastic.” King Seth Dreams By Debra Chwast with art by Seth Chwast

“Manhattan Floating in The East River” is Seth’s largest project to date, 10.7’ x 26’, acrylic on canvas Consisting of 104 individual 16" x 24" panels, it premiered at Time Equities building in November 2010.

Seth Chwast

Critique

The Vivid Eloquence of Colours Karen Lappon International Confederation of Art Critics

As a great master of Outsider Art, Seth Chwast describes his subconscious through a dynamic and forceful creativity, moving beyond the conventional motifs of proportionality, linear perspective and chiaroscuro; characterised by a vividly acute childlike imagery, his unique style approaches a more spontaneous artistic expression, saturated by a polychrome enthusiasm towards the world. Seth’s use of sharp, often unnatural, colours demonstrates his innate ability to sense different facets of a scene, while the absence of lifelike proportions indicates a surprising and ingenious mental opening towards individual perspectives of the same reality. Such features resulted in a body of work imbued with a sense of mystery and eccentricity, similar to the sincerity and directness of Henri Rousseau, Alfred Wallis and Paul Klee. Their masterpieces took inspiration from African tribal masks and “primitive” art forms, similarly to Seth’s uncorrupted process. In the “Manhattan Floating” series, Seth is able to transform the nerve centre of our civilised world into an amusement park where anything is possible; an unconventional rendering of a fantastic cityscape for the inner child living in our consciousness. Seth’s fervour draws the spectator to share and partake in this exciting journey into the artist’s soul. Incredible vistas and outrageous panoramas that results from a pure and limitless inventiveness, celebrated by the Surrealists in 1920s, Seth reinterprets and gives new life to the “SuperReality” proclaimed by André Breton in the “Manifeste du Surréalisme”, creating unexpected juxtapositions of themes and asymmetrical compositions of mythological creatures. Seth’s mind is flying and floating in outer space, right over New York City, and suddenly it is absorbed by a shocking eruption Opposite: Selected panels of Manhattan Floating in The East River 16” x 24” each, acrylic on canvas,2010

Seth Chwast

Detail of The Big Bang - “Travels” Series 52” x 76”, acrylic on canvas, 2012

of sensations and swirls of colour. As a primeval Big Bang explosion, Seth’s universe pours into the atmosphere in a formidable tumult that becomes a new Genesis arisen from primordial chaos. The Manhattan Floating series is the very foundation and the undisputed pillar of Seth’s artistic pathway. Space-time boundaries have been replaced by a universe in weightlessness, with no up or down, no sea or sky, no day or night, in a whole world of possibilities. The ocean and the cosmos merge with legendary beasts and roller coasters, in a jubilant triumph that fills our hearts with wonder and joy. Seth’s vibrant palette is emotionally charged and stylistically consistent in its contrasts and instinctive use of colour.

The dynamism of each form highlights the independent narrative of the subjects, albeit enclosed in a greater picture that is the vast composition in its entirety. The viewer is gleefully transported into a dimension composed of promising illusions and charming fantasies in which one can only question the very meaning of art. Sethâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest project definitely represents a whole philosophy of life delivered on canvas and performed comprehensibly to the spectator encouraged to genuinely meditate, with no superfluous superstructures, in all its truthful beauty. Each panel of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Manhattan Floatingâ&#x20AC;? becomes an extremely intense and memorable experience where myth and art fuse together with passion and consistency. Karen Lappon International Confederation of Art Critics

Seth Chwast “[...]What I like is that he’s continually exploring it. He is continually working– there is no one self... And I think he understands that persona evolves. And when I lo ok at Seth’s p ortraits, I think it is pret t y clear he is got that. He understands that. He shifts lines. He shifts contours. He really works through. Seth is very much a wonderful work in pro cess. Michael Cunningham Art Historian and former curator of the Cleveland Museum of Art, 2007

Seth Chwast

It’s About Time - “Travels” Series 48” x 48”, acrylic on canvas, 2013

Above: Yin Yang Love Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series

The Big Pink Flower - “Flowers” Series 36” x 36”, acrylic spraypaint on canvas, 2013

Seth Chwast

Rough and Smooth is an Aurora - “Northern Lights” Series 70” x 84”, oil on canvas, 2006

The Big Whale Shark - “Aquatics” Series 48” x 60”, oil on canvas, 2008

Seth Chwast

Critique

A Journey of Self Discovery Elena Foschi Art Historian

From the study of the magnificent world of abysses to his visceral passion for horses, Seth Chwast has conceived countless versions of his beloved subjects since the very beginning of his eventful career. Testing his personal sensitivity and responses to stimuli, both physical and psychological, combined with a unique painting style, Chwast conveys ideas that are emotionally engaging and visually enigmatic. Like indelible lucubrations, this artist’s divergent figures and structures recall the great Fauve artists and the clashing hues of Matisse’s dancing silhouettes. In a similar manner to this French artist, Chwast’s artworks disclose a symphony of flaming colours with an exceptional taste for harmony and balance. Each creation is a jubilation of intimate emotion that astonishes the viewer, captures his soul and brings him back an imaginary world in which the essence of life is in unison with the forces of the universe. Comparable to Wassily Kandinsky’s evolution in spirit, Seth’s artistry results in variegated and meaningful lines of work. Love of horses is also apparent in numerous artworks as is true in much of Art History where the horse rider is as historically universal as painting itself. In exemplary fairy tales, ancient folklore and traditional Christian parables, the horse symbolises the fight against evil and chaos. In modern art, the energetic power of horses advancing is magically interpreted by Edgar Degas and his impressionistic jockeys and culminates in the birth of “The Blue Knight” (Der Blaue Reiter), the revolutionary artistic movement Kandinsky founded with Franz Marc. Seth is the indomitable knight who challenges past traditions and conventions as he rides a valorous steed or is depicted as the horse in search of

Opposite: Two Fantasy Pegasus 5 with 2 People - “Self Studies and Portraits” Series 48” x 36”, oil on canvas, 2007

Seth Chwast

Critique

A Journey of Self Discovery intangible meadows. Both Kandinsky and Seth communicate an evocative metaphor; whether the horse is a transient ideogram in a process of abstract forms or the multicoloured protagonist of a mysterious adventure, this majestic companion represents nature, stability and fellowship. Seth’s horses are visibly open to freedom and selfdetermination. The observer is completely kidnapped by the mysterious aura hidden in the refined chromatic shades of the horses’ manes, each one superb in its own harmony. The contemplation of these pure forms is never solely aesthetic: the composition must be truthful and the profound and timeless beauty of the artwork relies on the inner necessity felt and perceived by the artist himself. Therefore Seth’s animals stand as symbols and letters of an unknown alphabet, whose further meaning is revealed to the attentive beholder. Undoubtedly, every series reveals a fragment of Seth’s soul, a peculiar moment of his personal journey and creative evolution, in a concert of sensations that forge a universal dialogue. In view of this, the self-portraits and related studies show the deepest side of this artist development: the frontal position and direct stare of Chwast in most of his self-portraits undeviatingly confronts and engages the viewer. Chwast, at times, leaves the background of his portraits completely bare to create a claustrophobic space which forces the viewer to unequivocally investigate his eye contact; in others compositions, he adopts a symbolic form to simultaneously compare and contrast the link between his sophisticated subconscious with the lively and familiar imagery of the foreground. Opposite Clockwise: Self Study with Horses on Grid - “Self Studies and Portraits” Series 60” x 84”, acrylic on canvas, 2007 Big Red Orange Fantasy Horse - “Horses” Series 70” x 84”, oil on canvas, 2007 Yellow Green Fantasy Horse with Barns and a House - “Horses” Series 52” x 62”, acrylic on canvas, 2007

Seth Chwast

Critique

A Journey of Self Discovery In “The Boy who turned into a tree” the metamorphosis is reminiscent of the hybrid forms adopted by the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, who often represented herself surrounded by symbols, self-projections and emotional predictions. Both Kahlo and Chwast depict themselves with juxtaposing features in order to explore the concept of the self, given that identity is seen as developing and intricate, and not as a fixed condition. Thus, earthly elements, mythological visions or fictitious dreams become reflections of the artist’s deepest thoughts. As Nancy Cooey stated about Frida Kahlo “She made herself through her paintings into the main character of her own mythology.” Similarly Seth Chwast is a wonderful artist that gives us a vision of the world by transferring his feelings and his emotions onto each enigmatic self-representation, sometimes with great force and other times with extreme delicacy. The complexity is evident in the contrasting juxtapositions of both expressions and colours in “Six Self Studies”, one of his most dramatic close-ups: diverse facets of the same extraordinary personality, side by side, coloured according to the states of mind and dispositions, authentic and transparent. The beauty of this artist is that he really knows how to describe himself, avoiding the masks that society usually forces him to wear as he opens up to the observer, even if sometimes sad, frightened, or pensive. Seth’s self-portrayals are representations of mysterious “alterego” dimensions that abolish our deepest inhibitions and force new emotions to emerge, leaving us entrapped in the intricate secrets of the macrocosm he envisions. Elena Foschi Art Historian

Opposite: The Boy who turned into a tree - “Self Studies and Portraits” Series 60” x 60”, acrylic on canvas, 2008

Seth Chwast

Six Self Studies “Self Studies and Portraits” Series 70” x 84”, acrylic on canvas, 2005

Seth Chwast

Above: Roller Coaster Abstract Diptych - “Roller Coasters” Series 36” x 48”, acrylic on canvas, 2005 Below: Roller Coaster and Cloud Study n. 4 - “Roller Coasters” Series 18” x 24”, pencil on paper, 2006

Coney Island Cyclone - “Roller Coasters” Series 40” x 30”, oil on canvas, 2009

Seth Chwast

“[...] We must enter Seth’s delicate, inno cent, tender world of hippo campi, iguanas, dwarfs, castles, cities, music, etc., all immersed in extreme beau t y, on tiptoe and with respect. The experience of u t ter serenit y, beau t y and joyousness will enlighten our soul, and even if we may hesitate at times because we, common mortals, are never really free from the so cial depiction of realit y instilled in us, we must trust in Seth and let him guide us to a form of art that the world of today truly needs to see and live to the fullest.” Karen Lappon, 2017 International Confederation of Art Critics

Opposite: The Jaguar Metallic Print - “Mythic Creatures” Series 12” x 12”, metallic print, 2016

Playful Scenario Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

Seth Chwast

Seth’s Head Profile and Full View - “Self-studies and Portraits” Series 4.5” x 6.5”, colored pencil on paper, 2011

3 Orange Fantasy. Horses Faces - “Horses” Series 23” x 35.5”, acrylic on canvas, 2007

Opposite: The Hot Pink Sea Lion on Blue - “Aquatics” Series 20” x 20”, oil on canvas, 2008

Seth Chwast

Opposite: Multicolored Linear Abstract #2 - “Abstracts” Series 20” x 20”, acrylic on canvas, 2015

Below: Rainbow Stripe Mandala #1 - “Abstracts” Series 24” x 24”, acrylic on canvas, 2016

Seth Chwast

Row of Houses - “Travels” Series 36” x 90”, acrylic on canvas, 2008 (with detail)

Critique

A Silent Explosion of Expression Christopher Rosewood International Confederation of Art Critics

Magnetic swirls, intoxicating composition and an enchanting colour palette catalyse the initial impact with Seth Chwast’s “Row of Houses”, a brilliant artwork where creative licence outruns reality. An intense city view is brimming with a dense community of multicolour homes, squeezed under a whirling and shining sky. The curving brushwork creates a stimulating aura that ensures a fluidity and vibrant dynamism to the canvas, recalling the compelling technique of a mature Van Gogh.

Seth Chwast

Critique

A Silent Explosion of Expression

In addition, the alluringly distorted perspective, along with a lack of shadows, make some houses appear precarious and unsteady, increasing the sense of spatial motion. Seth’s vivid style becomes surreal and stylised, child-like but widely pondered, in a climax of exaggeration that culminates in a blaze of pure colour. Fierce juxtapositions of complementary tints assemble each building component, plausibly conveying the same whirlwind of emotions felt by this talented artist. The dramatic stylistic choice and the rich textures transmit a sense of vitality and one can nearly perceive the sounds and the fragrances of this vibrant and animated city. On closer inspection, the infinitude of bold pigments clearly reveals Seth’s excitement with a newfound and unfamiliar city that captures and enchants his heart. Stylistically speaking, Seth’s use of thick and uniformly spaced brush strokes create a spiral effect that inevitably attracts one’s gaze. Thus, the overlapping perspective layers that follow the disposition of the habitations balance the variegated chromatism, intensifying the harmony in shades. Ultimately, “Row of Houses” shows the vast power and the sense of urgency in Seth’s creative impetus, enhanced by an hypnotic and intellectual Post-Impressionistic touch.

Christopher Rosewood International Confederation of Art Critics

Opposite: Detail of Row of Houses - “Travels” Series 36” x 90”, acrylic on canvas, 2008

Seth Chwast

Opposite: Self Study Fragments, 24 x 24, acrylic on wood, Self Studies and Portraits, 2005

Seth Chwast

Blue Footed Booby is Standing on a Branch “Travels” Series 24” x 18”, oil on canvas, 2008 (with detail)

Red Footed Booby is Standing on a Branch “Travels” Series 24” x 18”, oil on canvas, 2008 (with detail)

Seth Chwast

“[...] His art is free, naive and magical. His world is a pleasure to enter. He tells us that our lives can be cheerful and buoyant and that it isn’t wrong to take a step backwards to the years in which we were most carefree. His subjects are fantastical and fantastic. His use of colour is like fireworks on the palet te. The brushwork is always different depending on the st yle Seth decides to use to express the moment. Seth’s art is never the same, never monotonous. It keeps us in a permanent state of excitement and curiosit y - we can’t wait to see what the magician will conjure ou t of his top hat made of canvases and paintbrushes for us wide eyed bystanders[...]” Timothy Warrington, 2017 “Seth Chwast - The Voice From Within” Art Press 24

The Green Fantasy Dolphin in the Night Sky - “Aquatics” Series 18” x 24”, acrylic on canvas, 2010

Seth Chwast

2 Black Griffins on Valentine’s Day Sky - “Mythic” Series 36” x 60”, oil on canvas, 2007

Seth Chwast

Above: The Abstract in Oil - “Abstracts” Series 18” x 24”, oil on canvas, 2011

Opposite: Sea Serpent - “Mythic” Series 18” x 24”, acrylic on canvas, 2011

Seth Chwast

Critique

The Essence of True Artistry Elena Foschi Art Historian

On admiring Chwast’s works, the involvement is absolute and ineffable. Seth’s works represent the whole variety of human existence, from the venerated animal species to the wild dominance of the elements that construct the universe, in a boundless oeuvre dictated by his subconscious and by his most intimate sensations. Nothing is improvised. In fact, Seth’s art is passionate instinct but also inventive ratio, disguising many references to mathematics. Art has always been attracted to arithmetic since the mathematical rules written by Greek sculptor Polykleitos, who would calculate proportions based on the perfect male body. From the Leonardo Da Vinci’s Golden Ratio to the perspective developed by Piero della Francesca, the Italian Renaissance laid the foundation for a beauty dictated by geometrical calibration and harmony.

Correspondingly, Seth’s compositions disguise mathematical concepts based on repetition and interconnection between colour, form and dimension, revealing numbers and geometric shapes as recurring themes in the artistry of this young contemporary talent. Superb symmetries are evident in the spatial dispersion of some “Aquatic” portrayals with oceanic bubbles together with

Opposite Clockwise: Tiny Fantasy Walking Horses (860) “Horses” Series, 24” x 24”, acrylic on wood, 2006 Dark Ocean Blue Fantasy Hippocampus Walking Through Many Bubbles “Aquatics” Series, 11.75” x 11.75”, marker on aquarelle, 2009 Dolphin with Bubbles “Aquatic” Series, 10.75” x 15” acrylic on paper, 2009

Seth Chwast

Olori Oil on canvas - 36 x 30 inches

Critique

The Essence of True Artistry

other evocative equine compositions. A persistent aspect, based ultimately on the Pythagorean notion of harmony in music, seems to inspire Seth’s artistry: he is not just a remarkable artist but also a skillful composer, who writes and performs vibrant music, brightening the closed vaults of our souls. His world’s geometry has spiritual elements and his “Abstract” series mirrors the unconstrained motifs of traditional Australian Aborigines and Native American’s illustrations, while in the “Northern Lights” series he is intrigued by the inextricable labyrinths of light and particles that collide in the aurora borealis to form a dancing mystery. Similarly, the colour palette emerges in all its symmetry, transforming a balanced non-figurative combination of shades into a transcendent and endearing symphony of cadenced references. Seth’s immense talent is an innate, genetic and personal gift, unaffected by preconceptions and bounds of common sense. Both literally and figuratively speaking, his creations are part of us; universal bridges that connect the essence of nature with our past, present and future. Therefore, Seth communicates through chromatism, heterogeneity and harmony not only to decipher his own soul, but also to read inside ours.

Elena Foschi Art Historian

Opposite from top: Northern Lights with Reindeer Trees “Northern Lights” Series, 48” x 48”, oil on canvas, 2005 Fantasy Light Triptychs “Northern Lights” Series, 40” x 30” each, oil on canvas, 2005

Seth Chwast

Lava View Digital Manipulated Photograph Magical Series Above: Two Galapagos Green Sea Turtles in the Sea - “Aquatics” Series 16” x 34.25”, acrylic on canvas, 2008

Opposite: 2 Galapagos Orange and Gold Sea Turtles with Stones on Beach - “Aquatics” Series 17” x 37”, acrylic on canvas, 2008

Seth Chwast

Above: Tuscany Landscape #3 - “Travels” Series 18” x 24”, oil on canvas, 2011

Opposite: Tuscany Landscape #2 - “Travels” Series 18” x 24”, oil on canvas, 2009

“[...] There is nothing raw nor rough ab ou t Seth’s painting, and more than painting from the ou tside of the b oundaries of the official cultural mainstream, he draws us into the “inside” of a whole new universe - his universe.” Karen Lappon, 2017 International Confederation of Art Critics

Seth Chwast

“Every p ortrait that is painted with feeling is a p ortrait of the artist, not of the sit ter. The sit ter is merely the accident, the o ccasion. It is not he who is revealed by the painter; it is rather the painter who, on the coloured canvas,reveals himself.” Oscar Wilde

Above: The Robot Tree 48 x 30, acrylic on canvas, Self Studies and Portraits, 2008

Opposite: The Red Gray Fantasy Horse - “Horses” Series 36” x 18”, acrylic on canvas, 2007

Seth Chwast

Above: The Fantasy Humpback Whale #2 Is on His Back - “Aquatics” Series 36” x 48”, oil on canvas, 2012

Above: Six Fantasy Tree Frogs - “Travels” Series 16” x 20”, oil on canvas, 2006

School of Fish - “Aquatics” Series 24” x 72”, acrylic on board, 2005

Seth Chwast

Wings of Freedom Oil on canvas - 48 x 30 inches

Seth Chwast

Selected Exhibitions & Events 2018 • Steiner Gallery, Vienna. 3rd - 27th December, 2018 2017 • Art Festival at the Pontifical Palace, Rome, Italy. 20th - 30th September 2017 • Chianciano Art Museum, Tuscany, Italy. 9th June - 30th July 2017 • Museo Internazionale Italia Arte, Turin, Italy. 13th - 22nd July 2017 • Chianciano EXPO “Expressions of the Mind” 5th - 30th July 2017 • Chianciano EXPO “Emotions on canvas” 9th - 25th June 2017 • “Art + Autism” Symposium, co-sponsored by the United Nations. Monmouth University. West Long Branch, NJ. April 28, 2017 • London Biennale. March 29th – April 2nd, 2017 • University Hospitals. Cleveland, OH. March 1 - June 30, 2017 2016 • Cleveland Botanical. Cleveland, OH. October 4 – November 19, 2016. • Weekend of the Pooka: A Celebration of the Arts. Bedford Commons, Bedford, OH. September 17-18, 2016. • Sustainability Center. Berea, OH. August 8-14, 2016. • Cleveland Chef ’s Gala. Cleveland, OH. August 2016. • ChamberFest Cleveland. Cleveland, OH. June 16 – July 1, 2016. • Perspective- An Art Exhibition. Valley Art Center. Chagrin Falls, OH. April 1 – May 9, 2016. • Indian Creek Foundation, Souderton, PA. March 17th, 2016 2015 • Autism Speaks: Pieces Of History Event. October 25th. 2pm-4pm. White North Stables, Chagrin Falls, OH. • Artsyism Season 9 Cleveland Heights, OH. October 4th, 2015 • Firefish Festival. Broadway Avenue, Lorain, OH. September 26, 2015 Weekend of the Pooka: A Celebration of the Arts. Bedford Commons, Bedford, OH. September 11-13, 2015. • Cleveland World Fest. Cleveland Cultural Gardens in Rockefeller Park. Cleveland, OH August 2, 2015. • Cleveland World Fest. Serendipity on Lee Rd. Cleveland Heights, OH. July 7 – August 2, 2015. • ChamberFest Cleveland. Cleveland, OH. June 17 – July 1, 2015 • Mediatheque de Gien, Loire Valley, France. May 12-23, 2015 • Autism Institute of Gwynedd Mercy University, Gwynedd Valley, PA. April 10th-11th, 2015 • Little Cayman 5th Annual Agriculture Exhibition/Show: Come Grow With Us- Unity in Diversity. Blossom Village Park, Little Cayman. March 21st, 2015 82

Selected Exhibitions & Events 2014 • The Importance of Art in Public Buildings. Seth Chwast, Kip Jacobs, and Perry Finkelman. Baruch College: School of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Real Estate New York, NY. November 4th, 2014. • VIVID: The Art of Seth Chwast. Starion Gallery, Plains Art Museum, Fargo, North Dakota. Sept. 25th, 2014 – April 5th, 2015 • Cleveland Autism Speaks Chef Gala, Cleveland Museum of Art. Featured artist: Seth will present a piece to Iron Chef Michael Symon and to Mario Batali, August 9th, 2014 • ChamberFest Cleveland, June 19th- July 29th, 2014. Seth created a painting which was used for publicity and was displayed at ChamberFest. The Butler Institute of American Art, Youngstown, OH. The Artistic Autistic Mind: a glimpse at the works of Seth Chwast. April 6th – May 11th, 2014 2013 • Archives of the Western Reserve, Cleveland, OH. August 30th – September 28th, 2013 • Chef ’s Gala, Cleveland, OH. Autism Speaks. August 10th, 2013. • ChamberFest Cleveland, June 19th– July 30th, 2013. Seth painted “It’s About Time” which was used for the poster and publicity. The painting was displayed at ChamberFest and Seth signed posters. • Hold the Wall: Trends in Contemporary Painting. Cleveland State University Art Gallery, Cleveland, OH. May 17th – June 22nd, 2013. • ArtExpo New York – March 21—23, 2013. Exhibition and book signing. • Keynote Speaker, Ursuline/Tri-C Annual Art Therapy Reception, Exhibition and Workshop, February 14th– To March 13th, 2013.

Seth and Debra Chwast with Councillor Mrs. Elizabeth Rutherford, Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea at the London Art Biennale 2017, Chelsea Old Town Hall, London

Seth Chwast

Seth Chwast in “A Portrait of the Young Man as an Artist: Paintings by Seth Chwast, Portraiture by Herbert Ascherman” Courtesy of Herbert Ascherman

Selected Exhibitions & Events 2012 • Autism Speaks “Rock ‘til It Stops” Featured artist, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH–Book signing and exhibition. November 17th 2012 • The Art of Seth Chwast (Solo Exhibition) Milestones Autism Organization- 10th anniversary gala, November 3rd 2012 • Chef ’s Gala, Autism Speaks NYC, (Solo Exhibition) October 9th, 2012. • Manhattan Floating in the East River, Columbia Memorial Hospital, Hudson New York, October 6th, 2012 • Exhibition at Unity for Autism’s Annual Golf Tournament, Toronto, Canada, September 24th 2012. • ChamberFest Cleveland, June 27th– July 1st, 2012. Seth painted “The Big Bang” which was used for the poster and publicity. The painting was displayed at ChamberFest and Seth signed posters. • Friendship Circle Benefit, Cleveland Ohio, June 6th 2012. • Strokes of Genius, United Nations Plaza, April 2nd 2012. • Book Showcased by The United Nations Bookshop (46th Street & 1st AvenueRoom GA32 New York, NY 10017) Thursday March 15th, 2012 • Mythic Creatures (solo exhibition), Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland, OH, March 17 – May 13th, 2012. 2011 • “A Different Kind of Art “ Exhibition & symposium (solo), Landhuis-Bloemhof Gallery and Autism Association of Curaçao, Willemstad, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, November 26, 2011 to January 7, 2011 • Autism Speaks “Rock ‘til It Stops” ,” Featured artist, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, OH, April 12, 2008 –Book signing and exhibition. October 22, 2011 • Exhibition & symposium (solo), Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH,

Seth Chwast

Paradisiacal Autumn Digital Manipulated Photograph 2014 Series

List of Works Green Fantasy Pegasus 3 over Mountains and Hills with River, “Mythic Creatures” Series, 48” x 36”, oil on canvas, 2007

One Big Vertical Aurora with 2 Pine Trees and Mountains, “Northern Lights” Series, 60” x 36”, oil on canvas, 2007

The Venetian Canal, “Travels” Series, 18” x 24”, oil on canvas, 2011 Self Study in Garden, 30 x 40, acrylic on canvas, Self Studies and Portraits, 2005 Coney Island Parachute Jump, “Roller Coasters” Series, 72” x 30”, acrylic on canvas, 2008

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Northern Lights, Snow on Trees, Lakes and Rivers and Land, “Northern Lights” Series, 30” x 38” each, oil on canvas, 2006

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Mom, 30 x 48, acrylic on canvas, Self Studies and Portraits, 2008

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Manhattan Floating in The East River - [104 panels], 10.7’ x 26’, acrylic on canvas), 2010

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Hippocampus under the Water (16” x 24” acrylic on canvas) - Manhattan Floating in The East River

Head of Red Turtle and 26 Tiny Turtles (16” x 24” acrylic on canvas) - Manhattan Floating in The East River

The Brooklyn-Battery Aqua Coaster Leaving Brooklyn (16” x 24” acrylic on canvas) - Manhattan Floating in The East River

Untitled (16” x 24” acrylic on canvas), panel of Manhattan Floating in The East River - Manhattan Floating in The East River

Untitled (16” x 24” acrylic on canvas) - Manhattan Floating in The East River

Pinkus Monster in Central Park (16” x 24” acrylic on canvas) - Manhattan Floating in The East River

Untitled (16” x 24” acrylic on canvas) - Manhattan Floating in The East River

The Big Bang, “Travels Series”, 52” x 76”, acrylic on canvas, 2012

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Two Iguanas, “Travels” Series, 30” x 40”, oil on canvas, 2009

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It’s About Time, “Travels” Series, 48” x 48”, acrylic on canvas, 2013

The Big Pink Flower, “Flowers” Series, 36” x 36”, acrylic spraypaint on canvas, 2013

Rough and Smooth is an Aurora, “Northern Lights” Series, 70” x 84”, oil on canvas, 2006

The Big Whale Shark, “Aquatics” Series, 48” x 60”, oil on canvas, 2008

Two Fantasy Pegasus 5 with 2 People, “Self Studies and Portraits” Series, 48” x 36”, oil on canvas, 2007

Self Study with Horses on Grid, “Self Studies and Portraits” Series, 60” x 84”, acrylic on canvas, 2007

Yellow Green Fantasy Horse with Barns and a House, “Horses” Series, 52” x 62”, acrylic on canvas, 2007

Big Red Orange Fantasy Horse, “Horses” Series, 70” x 84”, oil on canvas, 2007

The Boy who turned into a tree, “Self Studies and Portraits” Series, 60” x 60”, acrylic on canvas, 2008

Six Self Studies , “Self Studies and Portraits” Series, 70” x 84”, acrylic on canvas, 2005

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Roller Coaster Abstract Diptych, “Roller Coasters” Series, 36” x 48”, acrylic on canvas, 2005

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Below: Roller Coaster and Cloud Study n. 4, “Roller Coasters” Series, 18” x 24”, pencil on paper, 2006

Coney Island Cyclone, “Roller Coasters” Series, 40” x 30”, oil on canvas, 2009

The Jaguar Metallic Print, “Mythic Creatures” Series, 12” x 12”, metallic print, 2016

Seth’s Head Profile and Full View, “Self-studies and Portraits” Series, 4.5” x 6.5”, colored pencil on paper, 2011

Seth Chwast

List of Works 3 Orange Fantasy. Horses Faces, “Horses” Series, 23” x 35.5”, acrylic on canvas, 2007

The Hot Pink Sea Lion on Blue, “Aquatics” Series, 20” x 20”, oil on canvas, 2008

Rainbow Stripe Mandala #1, “Abstracts” Series, 24” x 24”, acrylic on canvas, 2016 Multicolored Linear Abstract #2, “Abstracts” Series, 20” x 20”, acrylic on canvas, 2015

Row of Houses, “Travels” Series, 36” x 90”, acrylic on canvas, 2008 (with detail)

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Self Study Fragments, 24 x 24, acrylic on wood, Self Studies and Portraits, 2005º

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Blue Footed Booby is Standing on a Branch, “Travels” Series, 24” x 18”, oil on canvas, 2008

Red Footed Booby is Standing on a Branch, “Travels” Series, 24” x 18”, oil on canvas, 2008

The Green Fantasy Dolphin in the Night Sky, “Aquatics” Series, 18” x 24”, acrylic on canvas, 2010

2 Black Griffins on Valentine’s Day Sky, “Mythic” Series, 36” x 60”, oil on canvas, 2007

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Sea Serpent, “Mythic” Series, 18” x 24”, acrylic on canvas, 2011

The Abstract in Oil, “Abstracts” Series, 18” x 24”, oil on canvas, 2011

Loire Valley Castle #3, “Travels” Series, 18” x 24”, acrylic on canvas, 2014

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Tiny Fantasy Walking Horses (860), “Horses” Series, 24” x 24”, acrylic on wood, 2006

Dark Ocean Blue Fantasy Hippocampus Walking Through Many Bubbles, “Aquatics” Series, 11.75” x 11.75”, marker on

aquarelle, 2009

Dolphin with Bubbles, “Aquatic” Series, 10.75” x 15” acrylic on paper, 2009

Northern Lights with Reindeer Trees, “Northern Lights” Series, 48” x 48”, oil on canvas, 2005

Fantasy Light Triptychs, “Northern Lights” Series, 40” x 30” each, oil on canvas, 2005

Two Galapagos Green Sea Turtles in the Sea, “Aquatics” Series, 16” x 34.25”, acrylic on canvas, 2008

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2 Galapagos Orange and Gold Sea Turtles with Stones on Beach, “Aquatics” Series, 17” x 37”, acrylic on canvas, 2008

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Abstract in Oil, “Abstracts” Series, 20” x 20”, oil on canvas, 2009

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Tuscany Landscape #3 (18” x 24” oil on canvas) 2011

Tuscany Landscape #2 (18” x 24” oil on canvas) 2009

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Yellow and Orange Fantasy Flower Abstract, “Flowers” Series, 64” x 40”, acrylic spraypaint on canvas, 2016

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The Robot Tree, 48 x 30, acrylic on canvas, “Self Studies and Portraits” Series, 2008

The Red Gray Fantasy Horse, “Horses” Series, 36” x 18”, acrylic on canvas, 2007

The Fantasy Humpback Whale #2 Is on His Back, “Aquatics” Series, 36” x 48”, oil on canvas, 2012

School of Fish, “Aquatics” Series, 24” x 72”, acrylic on board, 2005 Six Fantasy Tree Frogs, “Travels” Series, 16” x 20”, oil on canvas, 2006 The Venice Italy Canal with Water Reflections, “Travels” Series, 18” x 24”, acrylic on canvas, 2011 New York, New York Right Side with Crane and Clock, “Travels” Series, 22.25” x 22.25”, pencil on paper, 2010

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Edited and published by International Confederation of Art Critics London, 2017 Copyright © 2017 International Confederation of Art Critics Layout by Elena Foschi www.international-confederation-art-critics.org

509 King’s Road, London, UK

Seth Chwast

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