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Almine Rech

Vaughn Spann Smoke Signals

Sep 3 — Oct 10, 2020 | Brussels

Almine Rech Brussels is pleased to announce Smoke Signals, Vaughn Spann’s second solo exhibition with the gallery. On this occasion, the artist will present a selection of abstract paintings never before exhibited. The exhibition will be on view from September 3 to October 10, 2020.

It would be an understatement to claim that Vaughn Spann’s work focuses on the politics of living in this current day and age. Their relatability and sincerity bridges the gap between artist and viewer so uniquely, so purposefully, that to encounter the work is to have a collective experience. His bodies of work are known to mine the histories of art, activism, contemporary life, and social practice. Spann’s paintings—which vary from abstract to figurative—reflect upon the way in which these contemporary topics relate to one another, how they are inextricably linked. The use of both abstract and figurative imagery is not only a nod to the history of art but a purposeful reference to the haziness of memory. These works function as a self-exploration of time and space, childhood influences, and impactful imagery. Despite their ability to relate to the viewer almost instantly, these works are fundamentally personal. The link between the relatable and Spann’s own memory creates a profound statement concerning human experience and an emphasis on the commonalities we share. 

Press release

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Selected artworks

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Dusk, 2020

    Vaughn Spann Dusk, 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panels
    136.7 x 155.7 cm
    53 3/4 x 61 1/4 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Firestorm, 2020

    Vaughn Spann Firestorm, 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panels
    136.7 x 155.7 cm
    53 3/4 x 61 1/4 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Untitled (blue fragment), 2020

    Vaughn Spann Untitled (blue fragment), 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on board, wood frame with glaze
    73.9 x 52.1 cm
    29 1/8 x 20 1/2 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Untitled (stormy), 2020

    Vaughn Spann Untitled (stormy), 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panels
    136.7 x 155.7 cm
    53 3/4 x 61 1/4 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Flood, 2020

    Vaughn Spann Flood, 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panels
    136.7 x 155.7 cm
    53 3/4 x 61 1/4 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Rain Dance, 2019

    Vaughn Spann Rain Dance, 2019

    Mixed media, Polymer paint, canvas on stretcher bars
    330.2 x 223.5 cm
    130 x 88 in

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Tango, 2019

    Vaughn Spann Tango, 2019

    Mixed media, Polymer paint, canvas on stretcher bars
    304.8 x 228.6 cm
    120 x 90 in

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Soul of a nation (homage), 2019

    Vaughn Spann Soul of a nation (homage), 2019

    Mixed media, Polymer paint, canvas on stretcher bars
    304.8 x 228.6 cm
    120 x 90 in

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Fleeting memories and lasting moments, 2019

    Vaughn Spann Fleeting memories and lasting moments, 2019

    Mixed media, Polymer paint, terry cloth,
    canvas on stretcher bars - Diptych
    304.8 x 457.2 cm
    120 x 180 in

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      The exchange (north star), 2020

    Vaughn Spann The exchange (north star), 2020

    Polymer paint, fabric, mixed media on canvas
    228.6 x 381 x 8.9 cm
    90 x 150 x 3 1/2 in

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Sentinel, 2020

    Vaughn Spann Sentinel, 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on resin cast panels with aluminium braces
    304.8 x 457.2 x 8.9 cm
    120 x 180 x 3 1/2 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Vanquish, 2020

    Vaughn Spann Vanquish, 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panel
    152.4 x 121.9 x 7.6 cm
    60 x 48 x 3 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Untitled (Lightyear), 2020

    Vaughn Spann Untitled (Lightyear), 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panel
    152.4 x 121.9 x 7.6 cm
    60 x 48 x 3 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Autumn breeze, 2020

    Vaughn Spann Autumn breeze, 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panel
    152.4 x 121.9 x 7.6 cm
    60 x 48 x 3 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Warm and fuzzy, 2020

    Vaughn Spann Warm and fuzzy, 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panel
    152.4 x 121.9 x 7.6 cm
    60 x 48 x 3 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Rover, 2020

    Vaughn Spann Rover, 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panel
    152.4 x 121.9 x 7.6 cm
    60 x 48 x 3 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      The Vision (bluejays), 2020

    Vaughn Spann The Vision (bluejays), 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint, silk, paper, canvas on stretcher bars
    121.9 x 106.7 cm
    48 x 42 inches

  • Vaughn Spann,                                      Inferno, 2020

    Vaughn Spann Inferno, 2020

    Mixed media, Polymer paint on wood panels
    96.9 x 63.9 x 8 cm
    38 1/8 x 25 1/8 x 3 1/8 inches

Videos

  • Vaughn Spann - Smoke Signals, Almine Rech Brussels