Franklin 54 Gallery + projects is pleased to present an exhibition of new large paintings by Edward Evans. The scale of these illusionistic acrylic on linen works is breathtaking – they appear dimensional on the slick airbrushed surfaces that heighten the depth and space. Colors of charcoal grays, oranges and indigos softly abound with room to rest in the white spaces that also open up the compositions to more light. There are swooping movements at different speeds in and out throughout the canvas, soft and hard edges – your eye can hardly stop the ricochet effect yet they are serene and peaceful – there are many places to get lost but you won’t because this artist has complete control of his medium and directs you on your path.

There are explosions of color everywhere and the movements and shadows give forth to rock formations, pillowy effects, enclosed inferno landscapes, skies and mists. Light comes through each color as there are many layers applied even though they are thinly painted. The works are full of contradictions and surprises, control and chance. They are crisp and clean yet intertwined. Evans strives to simplify the works and make them more painterly and spontaneous this time around and succeeds in doing so. Standing in front of the piece one can step in and passage through this incredible journey for a very long time.

Edward Evans spent his early years in Minnesota and now lives and has his studio in Stroudsburg, PA in the Pocono Mountains. He is the curator at the Southwest Minnesota State University Art Museum as well as other venues and with his wife Connie, is the owner of Gallery 705 in Stroudsburg, PA. Edward’s works have been exhibited widely in museums and galleries in the United States and internationally including Italy and Switzerland and are included in numerous museums, private and corporate collections.