John Szabo, 'Galaxy,' acrylic, resin and ink on wood panel, 30 x 30'.
John Szabo paints exploding galaxies and other organic shapes on square canvases, using inks, paints, resins and finally polymer to create luminous effects. They reference the experience of stargazing on a dark, clear night or of staring at the heavens just before dawn. The artist explains that he has spent many nights looking at stars, and he often records his ethereal dreams. Looking at this group of fourteen of Szabo’s current works is evocative of the art inspired by the Theosophical movement in the early- to mid-20th century. Yet they simultaneously have a new-age, non-derivative vision of the possibility of greater worlds beyond our own. The intent is that the viewer will gain a magnanimous vision of our larger world and of its possibilities from his paintings. The still youthful Szabo has not yet fulfilled that goal. Yet the intense creativity of these pieces portend that future works may just get there.
Published courtesy of ArtScene