Shooting Gallery Project Space Presents: Bastion, New Works by Aaron Nagel

The Shooting Gallery Project Space is pleased to present Bastion by Bay Area artist Aaron Nagel. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 7-11pm and will be on display, free and open to the public, through June 29, 2013.

Known for his masterful figurative paintings, Nagel’s latest creations continue in the same vein of the smaller portrait-style work he introduced in last year’s solo show at Shooting Gallery, A Thin Line. The arrows of his earlier work are brought back as well,

and their inclusion calls upon the heavy symbolism of Catholicism, replacing typical saints with luminous women in various stages of undress. Nagel’s lush renderings invert the traditions of classical oil painting, while still maintaining a reverence for the medium and its history. Sensuality, divinity, and vulnerability are balanced against each other in compositions of beautifully captured light and shadow.

Aaron Nagel was born in 1980 in San Francisco, CA. He is a figurative oil painter who resides in Oakland, CA. Having received no formal training, he exhibits an earnest admiration for classical oil painting techniques and traditions, and is in constant pursuit of the most vivid renderings of the female form. Often in unconventional positions, the figures are frequently juxtaposed against carefully hand lettered type, marked with glossy black paint, or encircled with halos of line and light. 

The Shooting Gallery opened its doors in 2003 to the edgy Tenderloin district of San Francisco; one known for its diverse culture and history. Owner and curator, Justin Giarla, founded the space to offer a welcoming environment for viewing the art he loves. Giarla has long since recognized the necessity to provide lowbrow artists with a platform, which is exactly what The Shooting Gallery has done for a full decade. In addition to the exhibition of leading shows in pop art, street art, and outsider art, the Shooting Gallery also participates in art fairs around the world and hosts annual fundraisers for local nonprofits. 

Media Opportunities:

Interview with Aaron Nagel

Interview with owner/founder/curator Justin Giarla

High-resolution images available upon request

Event Information:

Bastion, New Works by Aaron Nagel

Opening Reception – June 8, 2013, 7-11 pm

On View Through June 29, 2013

@ Shooting Gallery Project Space 

886 Geary Street, San Francisco CA 94109