‘Breathe’ is David Fenoglio’s second exhibition with Jan Manton Gallery. His previous exhibition, “Squaring the Circle” in 2023, spoke of elements, minerals, and transmutation through processes of observation. This new series of oil paintings includes plants and natural forms arranged into serene compositions painted from life. Transferred into these paintings is the experience of directly observing the change, decay and growth of plants through the weeks and sometimes months taken to complete each painting. There is a design sense, an atmosphere, a feeling which is reminiscent of experiences felt while being present in a Zen garden. Aesthetic considerations in these paintings reflect Fenoglio’s interest in Buddhist philosophy, although the techniques used are rooted in the history of European still life oil painting. This conflating of inspiration results in sublime compositions with subtle colours and delicate textures within the painted surface.
The following is simply a collection of thoughts of the artist’s while reflecting on this body of work.
“Rising and falling. Decay and growth. Natural processes unfolding. Observing natural forms. The movement of objects at rest. Working with natural phenomena. The hand is visible, identity surpassed by the aesthetic object. Repetition of process, the individual removed. The breathe is salient, the surroundings become salient. Death feeding life. When rotting turns to sweetness. Awareness of breathe. Awareness of sense perceptions. Awareness of light, colour + form. Awareness of intention. Attachment to the objects, a delusion. Forms removed. Caring for, arranging and observing forms. Veneration of natural forms. Beauty is truth. Death is truth. Attachment is delusion. Beauty is naturalness, selfless. Tension and calm, balance essential.”
Image: Terrarium, 2024, oil on linen, 41 x 31 cm
