Featured Image: Gavin Coates standing with his painting "Green Boots" at Art on the Terrace Gallery in Staten Island, New York c. 2021
Gavin Coates is an artist whose oeuvre captures a profound narrative on existence, nature, and the passage of time. Through various mediums, including oil on glass and canvas, Coates' pieces such as "Skull on TV," "Tut," "Barnacled Turtle," "Tarantula and Pig," and "Mousebird" engage viewers with their deep symbolism and striking juxtapositions. From the mortality-laden "Skull on TV" to the natural coexistence in "Tarantula and Pig," his work invites introspection and commentary on life's fragility and the ever-changing interpretation of history.
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Skull on TV, Gavin Coates, 2023, oil on canvas, 24 x 18 in. / 60.96 x 45.72 cm.
"Skull on TV" by Gavin Coates is an evocative oil on canvas that explores the juxtaposition between the organic and the technological. The skull, resting atop the old-fashioned Orion television set, suggests themes of mortality and the passage of time in contrast with the ephemeral nature of media. The palette is muted, dominated by grays and blues, which may reflect on the coldness of technology or the inevitability of obsolescence. Coates' work often seems to comment on the intersection of human experience with the man-made world, and this piece is a compelling continuation of that dialogue. The composition cleverly leads the eye across the textures of the skull and the geometric patterns of the tiles, creating a narrative tension between life and the inanimate.
Tut, Gavin Coates, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 in. / 101.6 x 76.2 cm.
"Tut" by Gavin Coates is a profound acrylic on canvas that speaks to the fragmentation and decay of historical memory. Coates’ use of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh, Tutankhamun, is transformed into a modern artifact—challenging our perception of time and reverence. The abstracted form and the heavy, textured strokes suggest a disintegration of form and perhaps even meaning, with the obscured features of the face invoking a sense of loss or fading legacy. The monochromatic palette is punctuated with hints of color, emphasizing the tension between past glory and present obscurity. This artwork could be a commentary on the enduring yet eroding impact of historical figures, as well as the constant reinterpretation of history through contemporary lenses. The sizable canvas invites the viewer into a contemplative space to reflect on these themes.
Barnacled Turtle, Gavin Coates, 2022, oil on glass in frame, 11 x 15 in. / 27.94 x 38.1 cm.
"Barnacled Turtle" by Gavin Coates is a thoughtful oil painting that highlights the intersection of marine life and the ocean's calcifying elements. The texture achieved through the medium of oil on glass adds a unique depth and realism to the work, emphasizing the natural encrustations on the turtle's shell. Coates presents the turtle with a certain grace and buoyancy, which, juxtaposed with the weighty barnacles, creates a narrative about resilience and the passage of time. This piece, contained within a frame, further emphasizes the tableau effect, almost as if we're looking at a specimen in a museum, prompting reflection on the relationship between observation and the environment.
Tarantula and Pig, Gavin Coates, 2022, oil on glass in frame, 11 x 15 in. / 27.94 x 38.1 cm.
"Tarantula and Pig" by Gavin Coates is an oil on glass work that captures a moment of unexpected juxtaposition. This artwork intriguingly contrasts the rural, commonly perceived as mundane, with the exotic and often feared tarantula. The pig, rendered with a soft, almost tactile quality, seems unfazed by the presence of the spider, which provides a stark visual and conceptual contrast. The detailed texture work in both the pig's hide and the ground around it, set against the rough, imprecise background, directs the viewer's focus immediately to the interplay between the two creatures. This piece might be commenting on the natural coexistence within an ecosystem or on the unexpected encounters in life.
Mousebird, Gavin Coates, 2023, oil on canvas, 24 x 20 in. / 60.96 x 50.8 cm.
"Mousebird" by Gavin Coates is a thought-provoking oil on canvas that appears to explore themes of mortality and the stark reality of the natural cycle. The skeletal form, presented in a classical scientific illustration style, evokes the tradition of vanitas paintings, reminding the viewer of the fleeting nature of life. Coates' use of a soft, warm background juxtaposed with the cool, detailed rendering of the bones creates a poignant contrast. The bird's final repose on the branch suggests a peaceful return to nature, while the careful anatomical study pays homage to the creature's life. The artwork's title adds a layer of intrigue, inviting contemplation on the specific species of the bird and the variety of life on Earth.
Gavin Coates, an artist of profound depth and versatility, has captivated the contemporary art scene with his unique ability to intertwine themes of nature, technology, and mortality. His works, including the evocative "Skull on TV" and the introspective "Tut," demonstrate a powerful use of oil on canvas and glass that delves into the dichotomy of life and the relentless march of time. Through his art, Coates invites viewers to ponder the complexities of existence and the natural cycle that encompasses all beings. His painting "Barnacled Turtle" is a testament to resilience, while "Tarantula and Pig" and "Mousebird" offer narratives that challenge our perceptions and provoke a contemplative dialogue.
Coates has developed a repertoire that seamlessly blends traditional techniques with contemporary themes, creating a visual language that resonates with connoisseurs and casual viewers worldwide. His thoughtful approach to subject matter and medium makes his work not only aesthetically compelling but also richly layered with meaning.
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Artist's Bird, Gavin Coates, 2022, oil and acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
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