Andrej Dubravsky

LAUNCH F18 is pleased to present Friendly Slav, a solo exhibition of new paintings by Andrej Dubravsky. Friendly Slav opens on Saturday, December 19, 2020 and will remain on view through Saturday, February 20, 2021. The exhibition symbolizes a sequel to Andrej's recent solo exhibition with the gallery, Aggressive Slav.

As a child, Andrej frequently traveled to his grandmother’s house in the countryside of Slovakia passing by a large factory on his way. When his grandmother moved to the city, Andrej bought a house nearby to remain connected to nature and provide a backdrop for inspiration for much of his painting. Surrounded by the rural countryside, Dubravsky created an atmosphere filled with wildlife, gardens and ample room for art making and creativity.

Friendly Slav expands upon many of the narratives Dubravsky created for, Aggressive Slav. From coiled caterpillars to portraits of attractive young men, the works demonstrate a juxtaposition between the destructive qualities of humanity and the delicacy of expressive freedom. From his home in the countryside, Andrej has captured a distinctive viewpoint of the ever-present social, political and environmental challenges in our world.

By expanding these universally concerning ideas, Andrej crosses the boundary of painting, and enters into an unseen future. While Aggressive Slav thoughtfully engaged with the careless destruction man has performed, Friendly Slav captures a more personal and gentler view. One can easily be overpowered by the louder aspect of Dubravky’s work, but deep within his subject matter lies intimate moments with friends, nature and the things that form these human connections. Friendly Slav reminds us of the things worth saving, and that what lies beyond these complex problems can be beautiful, quiet, compassionate moments.