In the heart of Venice, artist Hernan Bas finds himself amidst a world of ironies. As a tourist himself, he observes and paints the very tourists that have transformed his hometown of Miami into an Airbnb-dominated landscape. Bas' latest body of work, titled 'The Visitors,' showcases his unique perspective on tourism and the uncanny nature of certain encounters.
What makes this project particularly intriguing is Bas' ability to capture the essence of tourism while infusing it with his personal experiences and observations. His paintings, which feature young white men as the primary subjects, offer a satirical take on the tourist experience, often with a hint of darkness.
One painting, for instance, depicts a young man smeared with pigments at the Holi festival in India, a playful reference to the work of Willem de Kooning. Another painting, inspired by an image of Harry Styles, shows a youth cradling a koala, highlighting a peculiar internet trend. These works, while humorous, also carry a subtle critique of the tourist's desire to seek exotic experiences.
Bas' choice to title the series 'The Visitors' adds an intriguing layer of interpretation. The young men in his paintings, with their otherworldly appearances, seem almost alien, as if they have momentarily stepped into our world from a distant realm. This uncanny aspect, combined with the satirical tone, creates a thought-provoking commentary on the nature of tourism and the often surreal encounters it can bring.
Delving deeper into Bas' process, we find a meticulous researcher and storyteller. For each painting, he immerses himself in extensive research, uncovering human folly and crafting intricate backstories for his characters. Bas sees himself as a conceptual artist first and foremost, with painting as the medium through which he brings his ideas to life. The narrative, he believes, is the most crucial element, and it is this focus on storytelling that sets his work apart.
In his recent series, 'The Conceptualists,' Bas takes this approach even further. He invents entire characters and their artistic practices, creating a satirical take on the art world. His method, he describes, is akin to stagecraft, where he builds a compressed drama within a single painting, capturing the essence of a play in a single glance.
Despite his satirical edge, Bas remains generous in his intentions. For his exhibition at Ca' Pesaro, he has requested that the curtains be drawn back, offering visitors a true tourist moment. He understands the importance of the setting and wants to ensure that his audience can fully immerse themselves in the Venetian experience, even if it means overlooking the depth of his artistic process.
In conclusion, Hernan Bas' work offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on tourism and the human condition. Through his paintings, he invites us to question the nature of our own experiences and the stories we tell ourselves. As we reflect on his work, we are left with a deeper understanding of the complexities and ironies that exist within the world of tourism and the artistic process itself.
