Chaz Guest

SLAG&RX, New York is proud to introduce five paintings by esteemed artist Chaz Guest, as a prelude to his forthcoming solo exhibition in 2025.

In reflecting on his work, Guest shares from a place of profound spiritual and soulful sensitivity: "I know that life is a short journey for us as human beings and for me, I want to paint the color of humanity."

 Chaz Guest's oeuvre resonates with a distinct melancholia, not solely through its evocation of a bygone era, but also through the contemplative and perhaps nostalgic demeanor of his subjects. What initially captivates is the profound emotion that pervades the individuals he depicts, inviting us into the interstices of their untold stories.

 The monumental painting of “Yasuke,” exhibited at the SLAG&RX gallery and created during Guest's residency at Jean-Michel Basquiat’s former atelier in NoHo—now a creative enclave overseen by Angelina Jolie—serves as a profound meditation. In Yasuke's proud gaze, one can perceive the echoes of a tumultuous journey marked by hardships, resilience, and transformation. Guest portrays Yasuke heroically, yet he narrates another tale - that of this African youth enslaved, who accompanied a Jesuit father to Japan and was presented as a tribute in 1581 to the lord of Kyoto, Oda Nobunaga. The latter, impressed by his strength and stature (1.88 meters, while the average height of the Japanese was 1.57 meters), appointed him as the first black samurai. Through his portrayal of Yasuke, Guest masterfully encapsulates layers of history, identity, and the interplay of power dynamics, offering a poignant narrative of struggle, adaptation, and eventual triumph.

 Another striking painting featured in the exhibition, is “Master Philpot,” a figure exuding sartorial elegance. The focus hovers between his eyes, vibrant with tears, and the bold red tie that stands as a poignant counterpoint. "I wanted people to acknowledge that this man has worked so hard in his life, and all he wants is to be recognized, to show that he is integrated and proud of having fought a great battle," the artist explains. Guest's representation of Master Philpot conveys a narrative of steadfast perseverance and a yearning for rightful recognition, encapsulating the essence of resilience and dignity in the face of adversity. His palette, often composed of earthy and subdued hues, is punctuated by luminous whites that illuminate the composition, echoing the techniques embraced by both Manet and Courbet.

 Each of Guest’s paintings is condensed energy, underscored by the deliberate use of broad strokes and the non finito technique he adeptly employs. This considered artistic approach redirects the viewer's focal point towards the essence of the painting's subject - a manifestation of emotional depth and introspection. Chaz Guest captures the essence of humanity with a transcendent quality that surpasses superficial distinctions, revealing a universal and profound representation of the human experience.