In the heart of Brussels, Belgium, at the renowned Xavier Hufkens gallery, LA-based artist Sayre Gomez presents “Family Room,” a poignant piece from his solo exhibition “Heaven N’ Earth.” This painting captures a stark reality beneath a veneer of urban decay, where two children, initially obscured by the chaos of their surroundings, emerge from a clutter of discarded items. Gomez’s work is a testament to his dedication to portraying Los Angeles “as it is, rather than a projection,” offering an unfiltered glimpse into the city’s contrasting landscapes.
Gomez’s approach to his art is deeply personal, often eschewing human figures to focus on the environment. However, in “Family Room,” the inclusion of his children as surrogates for the real-life struggles of families in makeshift encampments near his studio adds a poignant layer to his narrative. His exhibition spans four floors, juxtaposing the beauty of Californian beaches and sunsets against the harsh realities of urban decay, captured through his distinctive photorealist style.
The artist’s journey into darker themes, amplified by his transition into fatherhood, is reflected in his works. While elements of childhood innocence, such as Looney Tunes characters and stuffed toys, make fleeting appearances, they are overshadowed by a prevailing sense of despair. Gomez’s “Lights, Camera, Action” is a stark reminder of LA’s growing unhoused population, a reality that has become impossible to ignore.
Gomez’s unique blend of reality and artifice is achieved through meticulous techniques, including digital collages and airbrushing, blurring the lines between the tangible and the fictional. His sculptures, like “The Promise” and “Scale Replica of the Past, Present, and Future (Peabody Werden House),” further explore this dichotomy, weaving a narrative that is both critical and reflective of societal changes.
The inclusion of Gomez’s work in prestigious collections such as The Broad Museum in Los Angeles underscores his significant contribution to contemporary art. His ability to capture the essence of Los Angeles, with all its contradictions and challenges, resonates deeply within the art community and beyond.
Gomez finds a bittersweet inspiration in a city where the art scene thrives amidst socio-economic turmoil. Despite the apparent decay and decline, he sees beauty in California’s landscapes, a sentiment that fuels his creative process. Sayre Gomez’s work is not just a portrayal of Los Angeles but a profound commentary on the human condition in the face of relentless change.
