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    In a Resounding ‘Renaissance,’ Conrad Jon Godly’s Acrylic Paintings Scale Alpine Peaks

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    “RENAISSANCE # 21” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 39 3/8 x 47 1/4 inches. All images courtesy of JD Malat Gallery, shared with permission

    In a Resounding ‘Renaissance,’ Conrad Jon Godly’s Acrylic Paintings Scale Alpine Peaks

    November 27, 2024

    Art

    Kate Mothes

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    Through the deft manipulation of thick acrylic paint on canvas, Conrad Jon Godly summons snow-capped peaks, tumbling mountain springs, and shifting weather.

    At JD Malat Gallery, the Swiss artist (previously) presents his largest body of work to date, RENAISSANCE, which follows a four-year hiatus. Godly is open about the mental health struggles that prevented him from painting, and in addition to his return to the gallery setting, the title refers to his experience of a “rebirth” as he overcame personal strife.

    “RENAISSANCE # 03” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 23 5/8 x 19 3/4 inches

    Godly is known for his dramatic impasto depictions of mountain landscapes, which were historically created using oil paint. In this new series, he has transitioned to acrylic, which dries much faster and lends itself to opacity. He conveys the striking beauty of the Swiss Alps through fundamental compositional elements like texture, form, and tonal shifts.

    Viewed up close, Godly’s paintings melt into near-abstraction as our attention is drawn to the qualities of the paint and the interaction of light and shadow. Farther away, the meticulously formed edges and gestural brush strokes reveal the crisp outlines of snow, rock, waterfalls, and storms.

    RENAISSANCE will inhabit both floors of the gallery in London and run from December 12 to January 18. In the meantime, see more on the artist’s website and Instagram.

    “RENAISSANCE # 06” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 23 5/8 x 19 3/4 inches

    “RENAISSANCE # 34” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 59 x 51 1/8 inches

    “RENAISSANCE # 25” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 47 1/4 x 39 3/8 inches

    “RENAISSANCE # 43” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 70 7/8 x 90 1/2 inches

    “RENAISSANCE # 29” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 59 x 51 1/8 inches

    “RENAISSANCE # 07” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 23 5/8 x 19 3/4 inches

    “RENAISSANCE # 28” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 47 1/4 x 39 3/8 inches

    “RENAISSANCE # 05” (2024), acrylic on canvas, 23 5/8 x 19 3/4 inches

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      Art
      #abstract
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      #abstract
      #impasto
      #painting
      #portraitsDo stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member and support independent arts publishing. Join a community of like-minded readers who are passionate about contemporary art, help support our interview series, gain access to partner discounts, and much more. Join now! Share this story  More

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      Art

      #China
      #impasto
      #memory
      #oil painting
      #painting
      #portraits

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      #China
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      #memory
      #oil painting
      #painting
      #portraits

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      Impasto Marks and Thick Dabs of Paint Render Dreamy Landscapes in Rich Layers of Color

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      #acrylic
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      #acrylic
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      #painting

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