Winston Wächter Fine Art is pleased to present our third solo exhibition, Pure Land, by Christopher Reilly. Reilly’s paintings portray nature in an abundance of rich color and varied textures. He uses a varied mixture of wax, pastel, gouache, gesso and pigment layered on canvas to build up a thick and lush surface. Reilly then applies intensive scraping, re-heating, and re-molding techniques revealing the many layers beneath the surface. He will even carve into the encaustic surface to enhance the contours of the imagery. This process creates a dramatic contrast between portions of worn away and rough surfaces, which bring an earthy feel to the imagery, juxtaposed with the delicate organic imagery of the raised surfaces in the foreground.

The additive and reductive techniques of Reilly’s paintings work in tandem with his interest in Buddhist philosophy. Reilly is particularly drawn to Buddha’s contemplations on life as it is coming and going. In some ways, the encaustic paint seems to recede and grow anew on the panel’s surface. Simultaneously, an ethereal glow seems to emanate form a light source originating from within the painting generating a sense of underlying energy.

Several sculptural works accompany Reilly’s paintings. The base structure is formed in the image of the Buddha and appears to be a traditionally cast form. These structures are then abstracted by dripping encaustic medium giving an organic or even bodily texture to the sleek idol-like object. The uneven and bulbous textures imbue the figure with a humble and earthly presence rather than that of a pristine deity.

For more information, please contact Megan Des Jardins at (206) 652-5855.
















For more information, please contact Megan Des Jardins at (206) 652-5855.