8/2/14     

Subtle Planes

Charlie Megna obsessively recreates visions and happenings in the studio that he has conjured in his meditations. Subtle Planes focuses on a tribe he has created called Renni. Their ceremonies reflect and combine aspects of ancient and modern civilization, the latter of which Megna has intentionally marginalized himself from. Ritual and repetition are very important to his practice, and he embraces the mind-melting use of tiny paint brushes and minuscule pieces of Sculpey. 

Heavily influenced by both Eastern philosophy and Western skate culture, Megna’s subjects are a reflection of his insubordinate manner and laid-back yet impressively prolific lifestyle. His colorful gouache and gold-leaf paintings combine heavily loaded, symbolic motifs with banal gestures to create a sense that something very important is going on, but a clear reading isn’t the goal. For this exhibition, Megna has taken his vision a step further, creating a life-size, immersive village, reflecting his playful demeanor and his fascination with outsider aesthetics and sensibilities.

@

Hairpin Arts Center (2808 N Milwaukee Ave, 1st Floor Storefront)