“Wonderside” is a term that encapsulates the paradoxical nature of art—it draws you inward, making the outside world seem irrelevant. This “wonder” side of art is the essence of the works created during a challenging yet unexpectedly uplifting period when time seemed to stand still, but creativity continued to flourish.
“Between 2019 and now, despite traversing several interpersonal deserts, I found my ideas and creativity mysteriously thriving,” reflects Seth Bastian, as he opens his exhibition at Indra Gallery. “In that process, I discovered a sense of purpose, peace, and, above all, astonishment.”
Indra Gallery – Welcome to the Wonderside from Indra Studios on Vimeo.
WONDERSIDE showcases Bastian’s visual evolution and artistic growth. In these sensory and cerebral “one-shot” paintings, he skillfully transforms form into visual language, creating a synthesis of texture, shape, and composition that engages with art history through a contemporary lens. These works embody introspection, a deep love for painting, and an openness to possibility. Viewers are invited to immerse themselves in a visual world that evokes a state of feeling, mirroring the spontaneous nature of the forms.
“WONDER\SIDE is a statement on the strength of creativity and imagination despite personal storms. Inner conflicts, personal deserts, emotional, psychological trials sought to derail my life,” says the artist. “Nevertheless, when this reared itself, I unexpectedly witnessed my art flourish. This astonished and greatly encouraged me and put me in a place of wonderment. I truly consider myself fortunate to have art as a refuge and find this to be a strength on its own. By God’s graces, I, fortunately, prospered despite low moments, and WONDER\SIDE is simply an invitation into this experience, inviting curiosity and openness to possibilities. Also, it marks growth and progression as an artist.
The paintings in this body of work are as much about themselves as they are about the subject depicted. In these artworks, I engage with the idea of depiction or representation itself. Upon first sight, when looking at a picture or painting, one might initially ask, “What is it showing me?”, but the paintings revolve around what the object is. By the time you figure out what it is you’re viewing, you’re already lost in the visual experience, and that, in essence, becomes the experience itself. Within them are traces of both historical art and of myself, the artist. The forms alternate between dominating and submitting to the image, and a new conversation about subject emerges as a formal drama unfolds.
To respond to the world around us, be it circumstances or trouble, external and internal, nature or whatever it might be, positive or negative is a part of being an artist. Whether it’s a moment of creative intrigue, a political moment in the world, we have the ability, and what I consider a privilege, to bring people into that experience. That’s an essential part of art to me, that’s the WONDER\SIDE.”
WONDERSIDE will be on display at Indra Gallery from August 30th to September 2nd. More informations here.
Art, Fashion, Culture – Indra Gallery London
Venue @indragallery_london
indragallery.com
Photography & Video Studio London – Indra Studios
Photos @indrastudios
indrastudios.com
