Gabriel Navar’s artwork gives one a glimpse of the bold, surreal and symbolic world of the subconscious usually reserved for dreams. He draws upon an expansive background of cultural insight, including the American (particularly Californian) cultural experience, art history, his own Mexican heritage and an awareness of the ubiquitous use of, and dependence on, technological devices. Utilizing this wealth of knowledge, along with skills learned from years of study, Navar is able to produce pieces that fuse pop culture, modernism and classical skill with a dash of comic book flair.
One can easily become lost in the trance-like state in which his artwork exists. Part of the magic of his work is its ability to keep one enraptured with enough modernistic style to revive latent emotions while maintaining enough context to satisfy intellectual reasoning. In fact, while gazing into the expanse of Navar’s paintings one not only gains a sense of something they once felt, but a complete and tangible awareness of it – like remembering a dream thought to be forgotten, or a scent that suddenly brings with it a wave of vivid nostalgia.
This thought, or perhaps more accurately memory, is made possible through Navar’s understanding of the core interconnectedness of nature, spirituality and human consciousness. He skillfully weaves serious reflection on human nature, in a socio-political context, with classic cultural symbolism and then deftly adds a modern satirical twist.
His frequent use of powerful and complementary colors combined with striking, yet graceful lines adds a vibrant elegance to his work. Like a flamenco dancer who’s colorful skirt flares and swirls as she stomps out a fervid rhythm, Navar’s work is at once forceful, beautiful, passionate and unforgettable.
Navar’s intelligently humorous and edgy pieces will keep you wondering where you’ve experienced that feeling before. Perhaps it was in a dream. It’s just on the verge of coming back to you. Another few moments lost in contemplation and then you move on – a little wiser and a little more hopeful. You’ve just shared a quiet moment of introspection with Gabriel Navar.
Love Gabriel’s work? Check out more on his webpage, blog or Facebook page. He also writes amazing poetry!
You can also see his pieces in person at the following exhibitions:
We Are You International Project
Kean University, New Jersey USA
Fall 2015
Gabriel Navar is also included in a “We Are You International Project” Poetry Anthology being released to coincide with this exhibition. There will be a recital in October.
New from the Studio
Wiesbaden, Germany
September 11 – October 17, 2015
By Young and By Old
Wiesbaden, Germany
September 18 – October 18, 2015
Yearbook: 12th Anniversary Exhibition
Sept. 4 – October 31, 2015
Opening Reception: Friday, September 4th 6-9pm (There will be live Latin American music!)
Artist Talk and Catalog Release: Friday, October 2nd 6-9pm (Talk begins at 7pm)
Familia
Women’s Cancer Research Center
October 23, 2015- December 17,2015
Opening Reception: Friday, October 23, 2015 6 – 9pm (Live music and refreshments!)
Admission is Free!
Imperial Studios, Los Angeles
November 4 – December 26, 2015
If you are interested in acquiring artwork by Gabriel Navar you can contact him at: gabrielnavar@yahoo.com
© 2013-2015 All media property of Gabriel Navar – All Rights Reserved
January 1st, 2016 at 9:08 AM
[…] Gabriel Navar – Contemporary Artist […]
LikeLike
December 1st, 2015 at 9:00 AM
[…] Anh Huynh’s teacher fall quarter was Gabriel Navar. He is a talented modern artist and poet, whose contemporary works have been featured in exhibitions from California to New York, and internationally in both Mexico and Germany. You can read Gabriel’s full spotlight here. […]
LikeLike
November 21st, 2015 at 2:27 PM
I like this.
LikeLike
November 22nd, 2015 at 5:00 PM
Thank you! Gabriel is an amazing artist! 🙂
LikeLike
November 21st, 2015 at 2:08 PM
[…] Source: Artist Spotlight: Gabriel Navar […]
LikeLike
August 13th, 2015 at 5:19 PM
Reblogged this on Gabriel Navar and commented:
I am very grateful and honored to have been featured in Claire St. Hilaire‘s WordPress Blog. She is a very gifted artist.
#art #GabrielNavar #painting #pintura #horse #fineart
LikeLiked by 1 person