A) Beatrice, mixed media on canvas, 24" x 24"



B) Ambition, mixed media on canvas, 8 " x 10 "



C) Fire in the Hole, mixed media on canvas, 4" x 4"


CKFA is sponsored by Kelso Brewery in Brooklyn and we proudly pour their beverages!

Capla Kesting Fine Art Presents:
Shawn Bishop-Leo: The Life You Lead
September 28 – October 14, 2007
Reception for the Artist: Friday September 28 from 7:00 – 10:00 pm
121 Roebling Street (at the corner of North 5th) Brooklyn NY 11211
Bedford Ave L train Stop
Thursday – Monday from Noon until 6:00 pm
Admission is free to the public phone : 917-650-3760 http://www.caplakesting.com

View the online catalog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Drawing inspiration from Dante's Divine Comedy, Shawn Bishop-Leo's latest body of work explores humankind's treacherous journey toward wholeness, as we strive to find peace and humility in spite of the evils we are subjected to.

"Just as Beatrice urges Dante to awaken to the evils of the seven deadly sins," explains Shawn, "I invoke the viewer to question our glorification of violence, material happiness, destruction of nature, and fear guised as war between religions, cultures and the sexes."

Each of Mrs. Leo's paintings use meticulously constructed layers of found object, vintage wallpapers and tile patterns to evoke the layers of Dante's divine realms. The drawings and paintings featuring symbolic images of nature interacting with modern icons depicting an ongoing dialogue between "good and evil."

"By using wallpaper and found objects I wish to ground the subject matter in the visual world that we are exposed," says Leo. "The patterns are often repetitive and geometrical but when layered become jumbled and irrational, pushing background into foreground, object into subject and subject into symbol."

Beatrice, a prominent painting in the collection, features a translucent, veiled peacock perched atop a delicate bouquet of crimson wallpaper. Two distinct tile patterns are hidden beneath these two images, yet they are never completely obscured as the topmost layers are transparent.

"The peacock symbolizes wisdom, but also pride and worldliness," says Leo. "Flowers and plants in addition to the animals provide a language that overall is not meant to narrate to the viewer but allow them to travel on their own personal journey through the artwork." The result is a non-linear narrative the viewer can follow according to their own choices.

Shawn's work will be on display from September 28 until October 14 with an opening night reception for the artist on Friday, September 28 from 7:00 until 10:00 pm. The Gallery is located at 121 Roebling Street in Brooklyn NY. Gallery hours are Thursday to Monday from noon until 6pm, or by appointment.

Founded in October of 2003 by David Kesting and Lincoln Capla, Capla Kesting Fine Art has become synonymous with the exposure of underground artists. Created primarily as a venue to expose the work of their talented group of friends CKFA has developed a reputation for their off the beaten path approach to advancing the public's knowledge of premier talents that demand our attention.

"We're not here making a statement. We're just showing art we think deserves to be shown. The goal and whole idea of the place is to help bring artists that we respect and enjoy to the attention of the public." – Capla Kesting Fine Art

Directions: Bedford Ave L train Stop. Exit the subway walking west on North 7th, away from river, 2 blocks to Roebling, then proceed south 2 blocks to North 5th. The gallery is located on the corner of North 5th and Roebling.