STEPHANIE CHEFAS PROJECTS
A DUO EXHIBIT BY
RYAN BUBNIS & AYUMI TAKAHASHI
SEPTEMBER 9TH - OCTOBER 7TH, 2016
Stephanie Chefas Projects is delighted to present THE SPACE BETWEEN, a duo exhibit featuring new work from Ryan Bubnis and Ayumi Takahashi. THE SPACE BETWEEN alludes to the artist's journey and the evolution of his or her visual language symbolized by the space between two points. This exhibition will find each artist continuing his and her exploration of spacial relationships with figures and objects and the relationship between the image and viewer. Ryan Bubnis' latest body of work focuses on the simplification of shape and form. Drawn to the idea that the negative space is just as important as the subject, Bubnis creates visuals that occupy space between the abstract and representational. Bold, graphic and whimsical in approach, the artist's current work is brimming with personal symbolism that harkens back to the skateboard culture of his youth. The imagery also references Bubnis' earlier work and hints at life in the Pacific Northwest. By loosely constructing the narrative of each piece, Bubnis encourages the viewer to decipher the imagery and create his or her unique story. Inspired by the emotional reaction people have toward color, Ayumi Takahashi's narratives are told through joyful palettes and playful patterns. These bright colors are in stark contrast to the mysterious edge that her figures possess, thereby forcing the viewer to ponder and piece together each character's story. In the artist's latest work, Takahashi steps away from the representational quality of illustration by cutting and cropping and focuses on color and pattern as a form of abstraction. The opening reception for THE SPACE BETWEEN will be held at Stephanie Chefas Projects on Friday, September 9th from 6-9pm. Stephanie Chefas Projects is located in Portland, Oregon at 305 SE 3rd Avenue on the second floor of the Urban Row building. The exhibition will be on view through October 7th, 2016 and is free and open to the public.
RYAN BUBNIS
Ryan Bubnis is a multidisciplinary illustrator, artist and educator. Bubnis' work has been described as "urban folk." Through his paintings, illustrations, design and mural work, he comments on themes relating to the human condition. Working both traditionally and digitally he incorporates a range of mediums that include found objects, paper, wood, canvas, aerosol, acrylics, cel vinyl, Papier-MâchÊ, graphite and India ink. He draws inspiration from life, love, graffiti, folk and outsider art from a variety of cultures. Bubnis has collaborated with a number of commercial clients and agencies and his work has been exhibited in galleries and museums across the U.S. and abroad. He is currently an Assistant Professor at The Pacific Northwest College of Art in Portland, Oregon.
RYAN BUBNIS The Space Between This and That acrylic on panel 36 x 36 inches $3,225
RYAN BUBNIS She Was Our Harshest Critic acrylic on panel 24 x 24 inches $1,225
RYAN BUBNIS We Saved Our Favorite Songs for You acrylic on panel 24 x 24 inches $1,225
RYAN BUBNIS Still Life Vibes acrylic and latex on panel 14 x 11 inches $425
RYAN BUBNIS It Felt Like Rain Vibes acrylic and latex on panel 14 x 11 inches $425
RYAN BUBNIS Marble on Hot Pink Vibes acrylic on panel 14 x 11 inches $425
RYAN BUBNIS Marble on Grey Vibes acrylic on panel 14 x 11 inches $425
RYAN BUBNIS Yellow Skateboard Stack Vibes acrylic on panel 14 x 11 inches $425
RYAN BUBNIS Cadmium Orange on Navy Vibes acrylic on panel 14 x 11 inches $425
RYAN BUBNIS Icy Blue on Blue Vibes acrylic on panel 14 x 11 inches $425
RYAN BUBNIS Watermelon Vibes acrylic on panel 14 x 11 inches $425
RYAN BUBNIS Blue Raspberry Vibes acrylic and latex on panel 14 x 11 inches $425
AYUMI TAKAHASHI
Ayumi Takahashi's multi-cultural upbringing makes her art visually 'border-less'. She believes that art is educational and powerful, and as an artist, Takahashi uses her artistic ability to convey the message of love and happiness. Her work exudes child-like moments that are joyful, bright in color, and calm, and as a result, reminds us of the goodness in our lives and in ourselves. Takahashi's work is influenced by ancient Chinese paintings, Japanese woodcut prints, Pop, Folk, Memphis, and fashion and textile design. Her deceptively simple work is in constant balance between concentrated sophistication and innocent simplification. A graphic approach to composition and pattern making, bold colors, and abstract shapes are key components in her work and practice. Ayumi Takahashi (b. 1985) was born in China to a family of artists and at the age of 12 moved to Japan where she was introduced to the nuances of Japanese culture. Takahashi came to the United States and received her BFA in Illustration Fine Art at Art Center college of Design in California. In addition to her time at CalArts Art Center, Takahashi also studied at Central Saint Martins in London.
AYUMI TAKAHASHI The Space Between acrylic gouache on wood 30 x 24 inches $1,600
AYUMI TAKAHASHI Ten Years Ago acrylic gouache on wood 24 x 18 inches $1,000
AYUMI TAKAHASHI Ten Years After acrylic gouache on wood 24 x 18 inches $1,000
AYUMI TAKAHASHI Full Moon acrylic gouache on wood 24 x 24 inches $1,500
AYUMI TAKAHASHI Distance acrylic gouache on wood 20 x 16 inches $900
AYUMI TAKAHASHI Reach acrylic gouache on wood 14 x 11 inches $650
AYUMI TAKAHASHI Spread acrylic gouache on wood 14 x 11 inches $650
A DUO EXHIBIT BY
RYAN BUBNIS & AYUMI TAKAHASHI
To purchase artworks or for more information please contact: info@stephaniechefas.com 503.719.6945 www.stephaniechefas.com