The Night Terrors Have Returned..., Payne Crencil, 2022, mixed media, 18 x 24 in. / 45.72 x 60.96 cm.

Payne Crencil: Bold Textures and Complex Themes

Payne Crencil's artwork is a vibrant and chaotic exploration of contemporary themes through mixed media compositions.

Payne Crencil is a contemporary artist known for his eclectic mixed media artworks that explore complex themes of mythology, history, and human emotions through vivid imagery and intricate layering.

His pieces, "Intrepid Incantations and Sorcery Shenanigans," "Pharaonic Sins of a Distant Past," and "The Night Terrors Have Returned...," showcase an eclectic fusion of materials and techniques that capture the complexity of human emotions and cultural narratives. Crencil's work is marked by its vivid imagery, detailed layering, and a bold use of color, making each piece a unique visual experience.

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Intrepid Incantations and Sorcery Shenanigans (2021)

Intrepid Incantations and Sorcery Shenanigans, Payne Crencil, 2021, mixed media, 30 x 40 in. / 76.2 x 101.6 cm.
Intrepid Incantations and Sorcery Shenanigans
, Payne Crencil, 2021, mixed media, 30 x 40 in. / 76.2 x 101.6 cm.

This artwork blends acrylics, wax sticks, clay, pumice sand, and salt on a panel to create a scene brimming with energy and mystical elements. The composition, featuring a central figure engaged in what appears to be a magical ritual surrounded by vibrant and whimsical objects, reflects a playful yet profound delve into the world of fantasy and folklore. Crencil’s use of mixed media enriches the texture, adding depth and a tactile sense to the viewing experience.

Pharaonic Sins of a Distant Past (2020)

Pharaonic Sins of a Distant Past, Payne Crencil, 2020, mixed media, 24 x 18 in. / 60.96 x 45.72 cm.
Pharaonic Sins of a Distant Past
, Payne Crencil, 2020, mixed media, 24 x 18 in. / 60.96 x 45.72 cm.

In "Pharaonic Sins of a Distant Past," Crencil employs acrylics, oil, and markers on canvas to weave a narrative that bridges historical and mythical realms. The artwork features enigmatic symbols and figures drawn from ancient civilizations, imbued with a modern aesthetic. The piece challenges the viewer to decode its meanings, blending the ancient with the contemporary in a dialogue about history's ongoing influence on present-day society.

The Night Terrors Have Returned... (2022)

The Night Terrors Have Returned..., Payne Crencil, 2022, mixed media, 18 x 24 in. / 45.72 x 60.96 cm.
The Night Terrors Have Returned...
, Payne Crencil, 2022, mixed media, 18 x 24 in. / 45.72 x 60.96 cm.

This piece is a haunting exploration of fear and subconscious turmoil. Using a darker palette and chaotic imagery, Crencil effectively captures the essence of night terrors. The fragmented composition, featuring disjointed figures and faces, mirrors the disorienting and unsettling nature of such experiences. The artwork invites an introspective look into personal and collective anxieties, making it a powerful statement on human vulnerability.

Payne Crencil’s mixed media artworks are not just visually striking; they are narratives woven into textures and layers that speak on multiple levels. Each piece, from the whimsical to the somber, carries its own story, rich in symbolism and complexity. His work is a testament to the power of contemporary art to evoke emotion, provoke thought, and connect with an audience on deeply personal and universal themes.

Learn more About Naturalist Gallery of Contemporary Art.

Garth Vader and the Proud Boys, Payne Crencil, 2022, mixed media, 16 x 12 in. / 40.64 x 30.48 cm.
Garth Vader and the Proud Boys
, Payne Crencil, 2022, mixed media, 16 x 12 in. / 40.64 x 30.48 cm.

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