In these recent paintings Andrew Spence continues to explore abstract painting in relation to the everyday. As in his previous works, the artist distills his imagery from the fast pace of contemporary life with characteristic wit and economy. These recent paintings are more vibrant and inventive, less literal and more abstract, the range of colors is brighter and more complex. They seem to play knowingly, with our expectations of the artists’ modus operandi, as well as mocking the idea of abstraction as a pursuit of the ideal or a search for purity.

The combination of this wry approach and his signature buttery, oil painted surfaces has produced paintings that are especially vibrant and visually engaging, playing the geometric against the wildly organic.

The titles of the paintings are also more metaphorical; they leave the source unidentified and therefore relay a sense of mystery previously absent from the artist's work.

Inexplicably these paintings manage to be at the same time, deadpan, elegant and enigmatic.

Gallery hours are from 11am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday. For more information please call (212) 691-6565 or go to www.edwardthorpgallery.com.