Baltimore based artist Gaia is best known for his large scale renderings of human and animal forms, often in states of hybridization. Animals fuse with humans or other animals, blending visual characteristics and layers of spiritual and mythological relevance. Reclaiming a long dormant visual iconography, Gaia’s images transcend cultural literacy, achieving significance on multiple levels. As contemporary urban culture deemphasizes nature, Gaia invades the city of glass, steel and concrete with a breathtaking reminder of earth and life. Functioning as a contemporary visual shaman, he facilitates uniquely urban interactions with postmodern spirit guides who in turn force us to acknowledge our lost connection with the natural and the mystical worlds.
Gaia’s latest exhibition “Resplendent Semblance” launched on March 25, 2011 with a series of projects showcasing the artist. The events include a show of new, large scale paintings and decollage on wood art works at Maxwell Colette Gallery, a site specific installation and show featuring additional pieces at the Pawn Works space and a massive window installation at State Street and Adams presented in conjunction with The Chicago Loop Alliance’s Pop Up Art Loop initiative. Resplendent Semblance runs through May 7, 2011.
To see more, visit GaiaStreetArt.com, check out his photostream on Flickr, or watch this March 16, 2011 interview with Gaia on What Weekly by Justin Nethercut.
