Kris Chatterson sees Fugitive as a concept that embodies the duality of force and sensitivity in his large-scale monochromatic paintings. By painting in thin, translucent layers, he pursues a depth of color and space that belies the two-dimensional surface. Far from being static planes of flat pigment, Chatterson’s undulating marks accumulate as abstract figures in allegorical compositions.

Greene Contemporary is pleased to announce an exhibition of new paintings by Kris Chatterson entitled Fugitive, on view at the gallery from November 13 to December 21, 2008. There will be an opening reception on Wednesday, November 12 from 6 to 9 pm. The gallery will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 27 and Friday, November 28. Chatterson sees Fugitive as a concept that embodies the duality of force and sensitivity in his large-scale monochromatic paintings. By painting in thin, translucent layers, he pursues a depth of color and space that belies the two-dimensional surface. Far from being static planes of flat pigment, Chatterson’s undulating marks accumulate as abstract figures in allegorical compositions. Chatterson’s paintings are informed by wide ranging sources: from 15th century Italian painting to mid-century American Modernism to tagged roll-up doors on New York City storefronts. The city’s pulsing vitality feeds the energy in the work, and the scale of the paintings is a direct response to New York’s distinctive architecture – both gritty and grandiose. Graffiti tagged doors are filled with overlapping layers of lyrical marks that form a history of passages, similar to what he seeks in his painting. The nature of spray paint is light and ethereal, but the strength of ego and the residue of a forceful act are familiar impulses in his process. As Chatterson suggests, the term fugitive can also refer to the androgynous duality in the work. While forceful and wily, his paintings are also quiet and made with a delicate touch, “Like they’re trying to yell while whispering.” Kris Chatterson was born in Orlando, Florida. He received his MFA from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California and his BFA from Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, Florida. This is his first solo exhibition with Greene Contemporary. Chatterson will also have his second solo exhibition of new paintings in Spring 2009 at Western Project in Culver City, California. He lives and works in New York City.