Winston Wächter Fine Art is pleased to announce the opening of Robert Taplin's new show entitled Everything Imagined is Real (After Dante), on exhibit from January 8 – February 21, 2009. Taplin’s last exhibition at Winston Wächter included tabletop sculptures that depict the everyday with imagined realties. His newest work, again incorporates the strange with familiar while portraying the 14th century classic, Dante’s Inferno, in nine cantos.

Dante's epic poem is filled with allegory, symbolism and a balance between Dante's perceived reality and dreams. The first nine cantos follow Dante in his journey through the nine circles of Hell, lead by the Roman poet Virgil. While working with a clear narrative from Dante, Taplin infuses the works in this exhibition with contemporary nuances and situations as well as personal references. For example, in canto IV, Taplin explains that he has constructed an exact replica of his old house as the backdrop for the scene. Taplin displays each diorama from a different vantage point allowing the viewer to either peer into an intimate domestic scene or be confronted with wide-screen drama. He highlights Dante’s role in the narrative by portraying his figure in full color. The rest of the characters and figures, including Beatrice and Virgil, are cast in resin and shown void of color.

For further information, please contact Amanda Snyder at 212-255-2718.