Abend Gallery is thrilled to present "Into the Deep," a solo exhibition by the distinguished Cornish artist, Jon Doran. This collection, rooted in Doran's deep affinity for his local landscapes and wild swimming experiences, delves into the transformative power of nature and water. His vivid representations, which juxtapose tight realism with fluid and abstract brush strokes, invite viewers on an immersive journey. As the figures seemingly merge and dissolve into the waters and surroundings, it challenges the audience to not only observe but to connect, filling in the emotional and visual gaps. Join us for this evocative showcase that beautifully bridges the realms of reality and artistic interpretation.

🗓️ October 28 - November 18

📍 Location: 303 Detroit St, Denver, CO, 80204 (Cherry Creek)

Artist Statement:

So often when I'm painting I'm trying to capture this sense of being fully connected and present to the moment. This sense of connection can occur when stood in front of a large view or while watching the light illuminate rocks by water, but it certainly happens when one is engaged in wild swimming. The process of wading into water is similar to painting, in that everything else disappears, and you are completely immersed in what you were doing.

Figurative painting has always been an interest of mine, and I enjoy contrasting the tight realism with the fluid and abstract brushwork of the water around. I find it interesting to break the boundary between forms, so that the figure is almost disintegrating into the surrounding context leaving space for the viewer to fill in the gaps. Hopefully these paintings have that sense of full embodiment and connection. - Jon Doran