LA - Melissa Haslam's "Botanica" and Morgan Slade's "Savage Justice" (07.17.10 - 08.07.10)

LeBasse Projects presents:

'Botanica'
New Work from Melissa Haslam

'Savage Justice'
New Work from Morgan Slade

Opening Reception: Saturday, July 17th, 7-10pm

Australian artist Melissa Haslam has based her recent paintings on the relationship between humans and the natural world. Specifically focused on interrupted cycles of life, her figures surrender to nature and allow themselves to be overtaken by the wild and lush landscape that the artist so beautifully creates.

In 'Botanica,' Haslam continues to explore her fascination between the idea of femininity and nature. As flowers and roots take over the canvas, her figures react as reminders of our symbiotic relationship with nature. Her female characters take on animal characteristics - sometimes playing aggressively and other times placid. In the animal world this kind of playfulness becomes preparation for the violence that is needed for survival, a primitive state of existence that is present in human nature but disguised by civilization.

Morgan Slade creates one of a kind mixed media paintings by altering his own digital photographs of scantily clad women with paint, pen, pencil and collage he transforms straightforward images to chaotic madness. His pieces prey on primitive natural instincts with a youthful aesthetic appeal and bright, vibrant colors. By defacing exceptionally attractive people, Slade aesthetically changes his figures to appear flawed in some manner. He creates visual metaphors of consumerism, advertising and technology by inventing his own symbols or by appropriating familiar icons.

For 'Savage Justice' Slade goes one step further by collaborating with iconic designer Betsey Johnson. This exhibition was shot on location in the Betsey Johnson flagship store in Los Angeles utilizing clothing and models from Johnson's own line.