Vanguard

Issue date: 10/1/07 Section: Fine Arts

The Chesser Gallery, located on Dauphin Street, is currently hosting a show titled "House of Cards." All of the works were painted by the famous local artist Mateo. Each of the paintings is made to resemble a card from a deck of playing cards. The show is a mixture of Mateo's fascination and knowledge of biblical characters, myths and symbolism. The works capture and portray recognizable images in an unconventional and unexpected way.
With each painting, Mateo appears to be exploring and challenging the mind of the viewer. The images reveal a story, yet leave enough room for the interpretation of a creative imagination. The stories relate to the beginning and the end of time: the alpha and omega. They also capture the journey in between. The paintings represent love and betrayal, loss and longing, life and death, as well as the afterlife, meaning heaven, hell or maybe something else. The characters are biblical, legendary and folk-derived. Myths and legends have been personified, as well as Mateo's own ideas and interpretations on the various tales. Mateo's main goal is for the viewer to be intrigued, inspired and ultimately comforted by the images.
One piece titled "Adam and Eve" is a bright, vivid painting done with mixed media. In the painting, a masculine figure appears over a feminine figure on a playing card. The male appears to be intertwined with the female form, seemingly removing her heart from her chest as a snake slithers around the two forms. The symbolism of the love and betrayal of man is very apparent.
Another piece titled "Cain Abel" also consists of bold colors created using mixed media. The biblical characters appear to be struggling with one another. The image appears symbolic, while realistically portraying one of Mateo's own ideas and interpretations of this biblical scene.
All of the paintings are formatted on a canvas to appear as if they were an actual playing card. Each of the suits are represented and painted in the corners of the paintings. All of the colors appear to contrast with one another: Purples are placed next to yellows, greens next to reds and turquoise next to a yellow-orange color. The colors are eye-popping and dramatic, really pulling the viewer into the work. The overall feel and appearance of the show is energetic, thought-provoking and exciting to witness.
Show runs from Sept. 14 - Oct. 8.

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