This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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High heeled stilettos, sexy tied up boots and the classic nude are all images from artist Charles Swenson’s upcoming show. One may not think of putting those together, but for Swenson, the allure of the shoe holds as much, as the nude figure.
Most of his paintings, featuring nudes that will be on display were done back in 2007. However in the past couple of years, women’s shoes has struck up a new fascination for the artist. A shoe or a boot has been added to the already finished nudes. From the onlooker, the footwear appears to be perhaps a remark of how today’s fashion permeates our subconscious.
Charles sees women shoes, as a piece of artwork…the art of how the final outcome is engineered is perhaps what most delights him. He explains, “I love the subtle curve of the instep against the reverse curve on the inside of the heel, both complicated by the need to turn the right instep toward the left and vice-versa.”
The subjects in his paintings are not wearing the shoes, as one would expect. The shoes have their own subtext as they appear to be floating past the subject, or as he describes…”tumbling against a beautiful sky and are joyous.”
Coupled with his love for the female body, this new admiration has led his work down a different road completely. He continues, “Adding the shoes has radically changed the nature of the original paintings. Where they were paintings of women, now they are paintings of shoes.”
Swenson features a modern day woman as well as the relationship to fashion in everyday life. Yet there are many more elements to consider. “They say something about voyeurism, because you have to look past something to see the figure, and they say something about sexuality in that the shoes are sexy, kind of flirty, black, high heeled and a little domineering–demanding and slightly larger than life where the figures are slightly smaller,” he cites.
Swenson has been inspired by David Choe, as well as Saber and from today’s street scene, Shepard Fairey.
Charles Swenson’s work will be on view at his new studio at the Brewery. He recently moved in just a month ago and is looking forward to participating in the 30th anniversary celebration of the Brewery Art Walk.
You can find his studio at 1918 N. Main # 202. For more information about Charles Swenson, see his website. http://charlesgswenson.com/
The opening will take place as part of the Brewery Art Walk happening on Saturday, October 20th and Sunday, October 21st from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on both days. http://www.breweryartwalk.com
2100 North Main Street, Los Angeles, 90031
The event takes place on October 20th and 21st 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is free (Lot donated by UPS, closes at 6pm). For a full list of participating artists, see website. http://www.breweryartwalk.com.
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