Benjamin Echeverria at Francis Irv

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Patina authenticates, proves labor, human, the subject goo we desire from painting. Painting is an adhesive that collects the air of its subject the artist. More than brushwork. It's how Guyton manufactured his celebration: all the little blips and drips and skips he was commended for tugging out - pressing print on the markers of work, authenticity! This was during the vogue of reclaimed wood cladding a world turning plastic.  The myth of artistic journey, as a symbol for it. "If I give you my denim. Will you simulate distress"?

See too: Alvin Baltrop at Hannah Hoffman, Frank Walter at David Zwirner, Purvis Young at James Fuentes

Benjamin Echeverria at Parapet Real Humans

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At one end of the artworld we the rendered and ecstatic, at the other end the scrappy material and careworn. These could seem worlds apart. But they begin to feel in the same way affected. You apply a video filter, you belabor the painting. Both become search for means to make "residue" appear, of time, of warmth we're after. A weathering effect you can turn on and off like rain.


see too: Moyra Davey at Institute of Contemporary Art