Abend Gallery is pleased to present a collector preview of Austin Howlett's upcoming solo exhibition, opening on June 1st, 2022.
Artist Statement
Six years ago, I coined the term “Terra Human” as a name for my newly emerging series of paintings depicting humans seamlessly merged with nature. I began this series to explore human emotions through their connection with nature. Emotional vulnerability is one of the traits I value most in myself and others, and it is the singular through line in all of my work. In order to capture the complex nature of the human condition, I feel the need to go beyond realism and to find a surreal visual language that more holistically captures the deep connection we all share with nature. The complexity of the human spirit, at times, needs the support of its natural surroundings in order to find balance and peace. My paintings ask viewers to do the terrifying work of addressing our deepest emotions so that we can better understand ourselves and shift our outlook on the world to a more empathetic viewpoint.