Ballad Over The Ocean
From 4.10.2024 to 15.11.2024
Nashira Gallery is pleased to present Ballad Over The Ocean, the new solo exhibition by Anglo-American artist Sebastian Thomas (b. 1994), running from October 4th to November 15th, 2024.
His artistic approach is defined by an extensive investigation of medieval formal and symbolic composition, which is subsequently dissected and evaluated from a contemporary perspective. In Ballad Over The Ocean, through episodes of martyrdom, epic ballads, and battles between saints and mythical creatures, the artist challenges established historical narratives, offering a critical and provocative perspective that engages an intense sacredness with contemporary fragility.
Sebastian’s works invite viewers to meditate on the nature of identity and contemporary social constructions, as well as the function of spirituality and its development in the modern era. In Ballad Over the Ocean, Thomas replaces the traditional dominant male figures with heroines who, in contrast to the stereotypically submissive portrayal of medieval women, emerge as powerful, independent characters who redefine conventional roles for women.
The compositions – all made by casein on muslin laminated chalk ground panel – are characterized by a visual synthesis that, although rejecting the somber iconography of the past, is striking for its deep psychological complexity, which can be witnessed in the character motions and figure symbolism. In addition to evoking the medieval pictorial tradition, the use of hues historically linked with sacred art, such as red, gold, blue, and green, increases the symbolic content of his works and combines modernism with aesthetics.
The historical atmosphere is further enriched by the presence of original helmets and armor, immersing the viewer in a space that blurs the lines between past and present. This collaboration with Czerny’s International Auction House in Sarzana enhances the sense of being suspended between two eras.
Ballad Over The Ocean embarks on a journey where legendary traditions from the past intersect with contemporary themes, unfolding in a timeless realm that draws on art history and the broader human experience. These works encourage us to reflect on the intricate links between myth, memory, and identity, prompting a deep contemplation of the human condition today.
Ballad Over The Ocean, installation view, 2024, photo: m3studio
