Bearer of Inconvenient Truths

Oil paint is a type of slow-drying paint that consists of particles of pigment suspended in a drying oil, commonly linseed oil. The viscosity of the paint may be modified by the addition of a solvent such as turpentine or white spirit, and varnish may be added to increase the glossiness of the dried film. Oil paints have been used in Europe since the 12th century for simple decoration, but were not widely adopted as an artistic medium until the early 15th century. Common modern applications of oil paint are in finishing and protection of wood in buildings and exposed metal structures such as ships and bridges. Its hard-wearing properties and luminous colors make it desirable for both interior and exterior use on wood and metal. Due to its slow-drying properties, it has recently been used in paint-on-glass animation. Thickness of coat has considerable bearing on time required for drying: thin coats of oil paint dry relatively quickly. Kathie Olivas is an internationally exhibited multi-media artist from New Mexico. Through her current body of work, the Misery Children, she explores society’s insatiable desire to assign ‘cuteness’ and our discomfort with the unknown. A dark blend of early American portraiture set in post apocalyptic times, Kathie’s paintings and custom toys are a satirical look at how fear affects our sense of reality. One of the central questions raised in Kathie’s work is that of ‘what if’: what if these ‘cute’ creatures had their own agenda? Are they attune to something beyond our understanding, or are we simply too cowardly to acknowledge it? Are their misshapen limbs and plated mouths a deformation from living in a desolate wasteland,or perhaps an adaptation for protection? The Misery Children are meant to evoke a nostalgic reaction that reflects isolation, fear and an uncertainty, yet they also act as empowered alter egos. While these characters explore their new lonely worlds, they double as our narrators. They guide us through their reality as they experience it and yet, even in their company, we are granted no reassurance. Mission Statement | A landmark gallery in SoHo since 1984, AFA (formerly Animazing) began as an exhibition space specializing in conceptual animation art. Over time, we broadened that scope to include works by renowned Illustrators and pop culture commercial artists as well as fine artists. In 2012, in keeping with the momentum of our natural development and growth, we revamped the gallery’s program with new artists, exhibitions and endeavors and renamed it AFA (Animazing Fine Art). At AFA, we are inspired by works that are layered with dark complexity and symbolism, indulging the senses and engaging the emotions. We exhibit paintings, drawings and sculpture created by important established and extraordinary emerging artists – including Tim Burton, Nicoletta Ceccoli, Tom Everhart, Daniel Merriam and Kirk Reinert. Our criterion are masterful technique, wild imagination and edgy subject matter. We strive to represent our artists with savvy and passion in an environment that is enjoyable, informative and accessible.