“House through the Ferns” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 120 x 90 centimeters. All images © Alfie Caine, shared with permission courtesy of the artist and JARILAGER Gallery
Imbued with otherworldly light and a jewel-toned palette, Alfie Caine’s dreamscapes tuck domestic architecture into the idealized surroundings of manicured neighborhoods, country gardens, and lush woodland. The East Sussex-based artist draws on his formal training in architecture to render homes and their environs in vivid hues, playing with perspective and the relationship between light and shadow in an interplay of interior and exterior.
In Caine’s vignettes of domestic life, clues to the inhabitants are found in details like a potted plant propping a door open, a pet awaiting attention, or a glimpse of a figure in the corner, nearly out of view. The precision of linear perspective and bold contrasts meet the surreal, organic forms of wispy flora and streams of chimney smoke in scenes that emphasize small moments of pleasure in everyday life, such as taking a hot bath, strumming a guitar, or lighting a candle. These instances of familiarity are often countered by uncanny light sources, which illuminate bouquets of flowers, cast long shadows, and portend an incoming storm or some mysterious, unknown event.
Caine’s solo show titled Moments of Calm is on view through February 23 at JARILAGER Gallery. Find more of the artist’s work on his website and Instagram.
“Before the Storm” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 120 x 170 centimeters
“Foxglove Farmhouse” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 120 x 90 centimeters
“Bath by Candlelight” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 120 x 170 centimeters
“Bathroom off the Corridor” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 152.4 x 121.9 centimeters
“Entrance Overlooking the Bay” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 177.8 x 203.2 centimeters
“Lacquer Staircase” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 177.8 x 152.4 centimeters
“Red Dining Room” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 152.4 x 121.9 centimeters
“Riverside Porch” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 120 x 90 centimeters
“Two Blue Trees” (2022), vinyl and acrylic paint on canvas, 120 x 90 centimeters
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Source: Art - thisiscolossal.com
