CHRIS DENOVAN

Chris Denovan creates paintings and sketches depicting a surreal, exterior world full of both strength and vulnerability. Focusing on the male form, non-toxic masculinity, nature, love and companionship, Denovan uses the medium of paint in textural, bold and fine washes of colour overlaid upon thickly applied base coats as his mode of expression.

These characters are shown in groups interacting with each other in playful, carefree environments. Always in nature and with only a hint of the man-made in their objects and clothing, they live in a world of towering, solid abstract shapes and blocks. The figures are themselves large in limb and exude a strength similar to the rock-like scenery they live amongst. At one with nature, even their facial features seem to be made of water puddles or stony pebbles. Their carefree nature exudes feelings of joy, love and companionship, content to just be themselves amongst each other.

Denovan’s artistic exploration delves into the intricate interplay between opposing forces such as order and chaos, pleasure and danger, love and war. With studio spaces in both South Africa and the South of Italy, his creations bear the imprint of classical Greek aesthetics, offering a modern perspective on figuration and portraiture. His canvases come alive with bodies depicted in distorted forms, engaged in a provocative dance that weaves a captivating tapestry of energy—an homage to hedonism. The artist skilfully blends strong masculine figures in a nod to the cubist tradition, where boundaries dissolve, and abstraction takes precedence.

Through the use of transparent and solid textures, Denovan masterfully captures both the robust strength and delicate vulnerability of his characters. The infusion of sumptuous colours adds a luminous and sensual quality to his work. Beyond visual representation Denovan’s work prompts contemplation on the complexities of existence, identity, and the perpetual interplay of light and shadow. His artistic vision encourages us to embrace the inherent beauty found within the realms of ambiguity and transformation, as heopens a doorway to the profound intricacies of the human experience.

His vibrant compositions, pulsating with lively hues, reveal a subtle undercurrent of complexity and intrigue upon closer inspection. Denovan masterfully orchestrates an equilibrium between pleasure and pain, inviting viewers into fantasy-like worlds that evoke both blissful enchantment and ominous undertones. Beyond mere depiction, his art sparks contemplation on the complexities of existence, identity, and the eternal interplay of light and shadow.

Denovan’s transcendent work goes beyond traditional expression, offering glimpses into the depths of the human psyche and the universal struggle for balance amid life’s turbulence. His art resonates on a profound and introspective level, inviting audiences to ponder the complexities of their own inner landscapes.

“Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s wisdom that power rooted in love is far more enduring than that derived from fear, I, as a Queer man, navigate the intricate tapestry of the world from diverse vantage points. Childhood experiences entrenched in a world marked by opposing beliefs fuelled my determination to bridge divides through my artistic journey.

My art practice today is a testament to the richness found in the intersectionality of my identity. It thrives on the nuances of my daily encounters with opposition, offering a platform for healing and transcending the shadows of fear and marginalisation. Through my visual expressions, I invite viewers to embrace a multiplicity of perspectives, encouraging the acceptance of unconventional forms and urging them never to question the legitimacy of desires emanating from the heart.

In every stroke and image, I aim to create a space where the power of love becomes a driving force, fostering a profound and lasting impact. By challenging preconceptions and celebrating diversity, my art becomes a conduit for unity, inviting all to explore the beauty that emerges when we truly understand and appreciate the complexity of human experience.”