Brian Alfred, Beauty is a Rare Thing
Strolling through Chelsea, I ended up at the Miles McEnery Gallery—it's one of those places with multiple interconnected spaces that I somehow always get turned around in, though that’s on me. Anyway, I was drawn inside by a show visible right from the sidewalk. It was Brian Alfred’s latest exhibition. The highlight? Catching Brian Alfred himself on the gallery floor, meticulously retouching one of his displayed paintings. A few onlookers were peppering him with questions, some pretty off the mark. I had a few questions of my own—the good questions—but he was dialed in, totally absorbed in his work.
Brian Alfred’s art is unmistakable—those stark, clean lines and a vibrant palette that seems to bridge the gap between pop art’s boldness and the kinetic energy of Japanese animation. He takes on everything from expansive cityscapes to detailed architectural studies, simplifying them into clear, almost emblematic forms. Alfred dives into hefty themes like surveillance, privacy loss, and the alienation so rampant in today’s digital world.
What truly distinguishes Alfred is how he melds technology with traditional artistry. His technique spans hand-drawing, digital tweaks, and classic painting methods, creating a blend that really makes you rethink the boundaries between digital and traditional art. Alfred is constantly evolving, continually shaping how we see and interact with our modern landscape through art that feels incredibly relevant to navigating a world where digital and physical realities collide. His knack for distilling the essence of modern life secures his status as a trailblazer in the realm of digital art.
The exhibition, dubbed "Beauty is a Rare Thing," did raise my eyebrow with its title, I’ll admit. Those who know me understand that I’m a believer in the omnipresence of beauty—we’re always seeking and, indeed, finding it. Personal feelings about the title aside, the show is worth visiting. Split into two segments across the gallery’s rooms, it kicks off with a reflective series capturing Alfred’s recent travels, each artwork offering a glimpse into the diverse environments that mold our day-to-day experiences.
In a separate space, the show presents nine striking portraits, each depicting contemporary musicians across various genres. Alfred's sharp ability to capture the core of his subjects paints a vibrant tribute to the influence and spirit of these musical talents. If you’re in the area, this is one you don’t want to miss.